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Kent-based R Durtnell & Sons is reputed to be the UK’s oldest construction company, dating back to 1591.
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Estate includes: The Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Garden, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Brighton Corn Exchange, and Studio Theatre
Phase one works will begin in early February 2017 with a major refurbishment of the nationally-important Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre alongside essential conservation work.
The transformation of the Corn Exchange, formerly the Prince Regent’s Riding house, will reveal and restore stunning and previously hidden heritage features as well as providing extra increased capacity seating and an impressive new viewing gallery.
Major improvements to the Studio Theatre, once a stables and supper room, will include balcony seating, new bar facilities, a new artists’ creation space and a café opening out onto street level. The scheme has been designed by architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
The majority of funds towards the £21m phase one costs have already been secured from a range of sources, including Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Fundraising will continue throughout the build.
The project is being delivered by Royal Pavilion & Museums and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival which manage the Royal Pavilion Estate for Brighton & Hove City Council.
Council leader Warren Morgan said: “This is the start of another ambitious project the council and partners have worked hard to bring to fruition. The Royal Pavilion Estate attracts visitors from all over the world and the venues make a significant economic contribution to Brighton & Hove. The buildings are magnificent but they are facing unique challenges and are in need of refurbishment and upgrade.
“We are very relieved and proud to have found a viable way forward to restore and safeguard these treasured buildings for years to come and look forward to seeing phase one of the project brought to life by the newly appointed construction team.”
Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival said: “We are delighted to have appointed such an established family-owned business as the contractor to begin works on the restoration and transformation of our historic Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. As well as safeguarding this important heritage for the future, the works will encourage new audiences, support artist development and transform visitors’ experience of the venues. It will deliver improvements in accessibility, facilities and infrastructure, and will benefit local residents, community groups, schools, artists, tourists, the regional digital community and local businesses amongst others.”
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