Arts Council grant for Dome complex

F - Corn Exchange
M - Studio Theatre
V - Site of new Viewing Gallery

Arts Council England has pledged £5.8m towards a refurbishment of the Grade I Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and a major renovation of the Grade II Studio Theatre. This complements previous major works completed in 2002.

It will enable Brighton Dome’s three venues – the Concert Hall, the Corn Exchange and the Studio Theatre - to improve their sustainability, working conditions and facilities, whilst also encouraging new audiences, supporting artist development and enabling the organisation to realise its vision to be one of Europe’s leading arts festivals and a year-round destination for artists and audiences.

The main construction proposals include:

• Major improvements to the Studio Theatre including a ground floor bar/café opening on to New Road.
• Creation of a magnificent new Corn Exchange viewing gallery (V) and audience circulation space.
• Transformation of the Corn Exchange with new seating and more efficient infrastructure
• A dedicated creation space.
• Provision for additional offices, back of house accommodation, storage, WCs, catering
• A service tunnel linking the Dome, Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.

These plans form the first phase of a larger and longer term ambition to reconnect the historic buildings and landscape of the Royal Pavilion Estate to create a world class destination for heritage, culture and the performing arts influenced by the unique spirit of Brighton.

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival received a development grant (of £199k) from Arts Council England (ACE) in January 2012 which allowed the exploration of concepts and plans for capital development to secure long-term sustainability. The overall fundraising strategy for the project seeks to secure funding not only from Arts Council England but also a phased application process to the Heritage Lottery Fund and a wide range of Trusts & Foundations and individual donations.