PICTURES: Refurbishment underway at the Corn Exchange

The renovation works, which began in February, are part of a major project to overhaul the Royal Pavilion Estate, which includes The Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Garden, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Brighton Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.

The project at the Grade-I listed Corn Exchange, which was once the Prince Regent's riding house, will reveal and restore previously hidden heritage features as well as providing increased capacity seating to 500. The work is set to restore natural light to the room, uncover original timber and cast-iron roof structures, provide new entrances and floors, and new retractable balcony seating.

Brighton Dome’s Grade-II listed Studio Theatre, once a stables and supper room, will also be fully refurbished including new retractable and balcony seating, contemporary bar facilities, improved access and foyer spaces and a café opening onto street level. A new ‘Creation Space’ will also be available for those booking the Studio Theatre, offering a meeting space for smaller events.

The work is the first of three phases in the renovation and restoration of the Royal Pavilion Estate.

Much of the £21m funding for phase one came from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as from a number of charitable trusts, individual donors, council capital funding and a public works loan secured by the council on behalf of BrightonDome and Brighton Festival. The council said fundraising will continue throughout the build.

Brighton Dome Concert Hall will remain open throughout the redevelopment period.

For more information on the project, visit: brightondome.org/our_future/