Transforming Brighton Dome – the heart of the city, restored and reunited

Brighton and Hove City Council, together with Brighton Dome, Brighton Festival and Brighton and Hove Museums, are working in partnership to protect, restore and reunite the buildings and landscape of the historic Royal Pavilion Estate to secure its future as a world-class cultural destination in the heart of the city.

Designed and built over 200 years ago as a summer residence for the Prince Regent, the Royal Pavilion Estate combines a historic royal palace and Regency garden, a museum and art gallery and three live performance venues – Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.

Attracting over 1.2 million visitors a year, the estate contributes significantly to the city’s economy. The regeneration project will develop and broaden the cultural tourism offer and on completion is anticipated to support 1,241 FTE jobs and have an economic impact of £68m.

The estate’s bold design and daring experimentation with form helped establish the city’s reputation two centuries ago but it now faces unique challenges and is in need of urgent refurbishment and upgrades.

As this is a major heritage project, it is being delivered in three phases over several years.

Phase one

Phase one is complete and includes the major refurbishment of the Grade I Listed Corn Exchange and Grade II Listed Studio Theatre.

Phase two

Phase two includes internal refurbishment of the Royal Pavilion and improvements to the Royal Pavilion Garden.

Phase three

This phase includes further development of Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

The refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre has transformed Brighton Dome into a vibrant, creative and fully accessible destination for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to see your favourite artist (or be amazed by a new one), relax over a drink or bite to eat, hire the space for a private event, develop new artistic work or perform on our stages – these incredible buildings are back to life like never before.

Refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre has transformed Brighton Dome into a vibrant, creative and fully accessible destination for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to see your favourite artist (or be amazed by a new one), relax over a drink or bite to eat, hire the space for a private event, develop new artistic work or perform on our stages – these incredible buildings are back to life like never before.

Corn Exchange

This stunning 200-year-old former royal riding school has been stripped back to reveal its original heritage features, including the widest span timber frame in the country and the distinctive ornate windows.

Studio Theatre

Originally designed in 1935 by renowned architect Robert Atkinson, the Studio Theatre is the smaller capacity venue and has been re-modelled to offer an unrivalled visitor experience.

Anita’s Room

Brighton and Hove is a city of creativity, and we believe that the power of the arts can transform and enrich lives across all ages and abilities. This new practical work/meet/rehearse space, supported by the Roddick Foundation, will be open to artists, writers, performers and community groups to explore, research and develop their ideas so we can help nurture and retain the next generation of artists.

New public spaces include a welcome area, gallery bar and Corn Exchange foyer.

Eat, drink and socialise

On the ground floor of the Studio Theatre and opening out onto New Road, a bright, contemporary restaurant now welcomes visitors throughout the day and into the evening.

Award-winning sustainable local company Redroaster has partnered with the estate to offer delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus alongside roasted organic coffee, wines and award-winning cocktails.

Two new bars provide refreshments for audiences attending events in both the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre and are also available for private hire breakouts.

https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-arts/arts-and-culture/royal-pavilion-estate