Corn Exchange restoration wins two awards
The revitalisation of the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre has won two RIBA South East 2025 Awards.
The ambitious restoration has won:
- RIBA South East Award for architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
- Client of the Year Award, for Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and for architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
The RIBA jury said: “The innovative and sensitive redevelopment, repair and restoration of the Brighton Dome venues has transformed them into an arts and performance destination to surpass the expectations of the local community and visitors alike.”
Commitment to creativity
Winners are now in the running for the RIBA National Awards, to be announced on 10 July, with Stirling Prize contenders drawn from this list later in the year.
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “This has been a real team effort and is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a commitment to creativity.
“It would not have been possible without vital funding from Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, but we’ve equally received important support from trusts and foundations and many individual donors who all see the value of culture and the arts to our city.
“This has been one of the most important projects undertaken in the city and the successful restoration is a perfect mix of old and new, reflecting our commitment to preserving our precious historic buildings and creating truly modern spaces that will help the arts continue to flourish in Brighton & Hove.”
A joy to welcome back audiences
Lucy Davies, Chief Executive, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival said: “We are delighted that the achievements of the refurbishment of the historic Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre have been recognised at the RIBA South East Awards.
“It has been a joy to welcome audiences back into spaces that are now more accessible, more sustainable and more versatile, with their heritage beautifully preserved. Huge thanks and congratulations to FCBS and to our partners on the project at Brighton & Hove City Council.”
Collaboration a privilege
Geoff Rich, Partner and Director of Heritage & Creative Reuse Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre has received a RIBA South East Award. This recognition is a testament to our long-standing collaboration with Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.
“It has been a privilege to work with a council that truly values investment in the arts and understands the importance of breathing new life into heritage buildings, not just to preserve the past, but to enrich the cultural life of the community and support the regeneration of the city for generations to come.”
Substantial restoration and upgrades
The major refurbishment of Brighton Dome’s historic Grade I and Grade II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre included substantial restoration and upgrades to both venues, including conserving vital heritage features for future generations and improving the visitor experience and facilities for artists and audiences alike.
The refurbished spaces have been designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) with a primary focus on ensuring the buildings are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. 
The project reimagines 4 historic buildings beside Brighton’s Royal Pavilion. A new link building transforms a former courtyard into a light-filled foyer, improving flow between venues.
Conservation efforts revealed original features, including the vast 1806 arched timber frame of the Corn Exchange, and the venue is now home to a vibrant bar, gallery, and restaurant.
Highlights include a more accessible, flexible Studio Theatre and ‘Anita’s Room’, a dedicated creative space for artists and community groups, balancing heritage with modern needs.
First phase of regeneration project
The refurbishment is the first phase of our regeneration project, in partnership with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Brighton & Hove Museums, to cement the Royal Pavilion Estate as a landmark UK destination for heritage and the arts. 
The circa £38 million project has been realised with support from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, alongside trusts and foundations and many individual donors.
Read the full RIBA Jury citation.
Find out more about the project on FeildenCleggBradley Studios website.
Further information about the project can be found on Brighton Dome’s website.