Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre picks up three Wood Awards
21 November 2024
The major retrofit of Brighton’s timber-framed landmark arts centre which updates the venue for a 21st century audience while revealing its unique heritage, was celebrated last night at the Wood Awards having won The Gold Award, the Restoration and Reuse Award and the Structural Award.
Set within historic Regency gardens and adjoining the famous Royal Pavilion, the Grade-I listed Corn Exchange and Grade-II listed Studio Theatre buildings have been thoroughly restored, strengthened and remodelled.
As well as improving connection and accessibility with the introduction of a new foyer space and café, the project has seen the careful repair and restoration of the UK’s longest single-span timber frame. Originally built as the stable block for the Prince Regent, the pioneering roof structure of the Corn Exchange has been stripped back and revealed to the public. Where necessary, repairs were made to the dormer roof arches and wall linings, while the original decorative window linings have been meticulously reinstated using specialist craft skills.
Working closely with theatre and timber experts, this project has brought major technical and operational improvements to the South Coast’s leading arts venue and extended the lifespan of this unique timber building by over 100 years.
Huge congratulations to the whole team.