When complete, our transformational project will provide you with:

• More choice of shows and entertainment for our city
  
• Better space for artists, therefore attracting top talent
  
• High calibre shows from the most interesting contemporary artists
  
• Better experiences at shows; order drinks quickly, lots of amenities, comfortable temperature controls and spacious seating
  
• Sound quality that will be outstanding no matter where you sit
  
• An unrivalled quality of performance
  
• Open spaces for you to hang out, relax, enjoy the building and its architecture and learn about major historical moments
  
• Somewhere to always eat and drink pre and post show, or to visit even if you are just passing through
  
• A Creative space for young people, artists and community groups to explore and develop their creativity

Corn Exchange 

Years of layers are being peeled back in our Corn Exchange as we restore and reveal long-lost heritage features including the original timber and cast-iron trussed roof dating back to Prince Regent’s original use of the building as a stable for his horses.

We will be adding more seats and improving the sound-proofing which will mean we will be able to bring you larger scale productions and more of them. We hope to offer you the widest possible choice of arts and entertainment in the city.

Your comfort at events is our priority, so we are introducing state-of-the-art facilities to improve acoustics, temperature control and seating space. 

Studio Theatre

Our Studio Theatre will receive a full refurbishment and remodelling which aims to give you an unrivalled experience in this intimate venue.

Improved temperature control systems and seating will improve your comfort levels, and there will be routes and facilities that all visitors can access.

New retractable seating means the space can be used for a range of events bringing you more variety and more excellence. 

The Creative Space 

Our main purpose is to use the power of the arts to transform and enrich lives, so we are delighted to be able to welcome all walks of life in this space. This new space will be dedicated to artists, children & young people and community groups to explore and develop ideas and creativity. 

Cut-through showing the Creative Space will be located above the two bars on the right

New Public Spaces

Viewing Gallery

Overlooking the Corn Exchange, the new top lit viewing gallery will flood this area with natural light. From here you can peer into the Corn Exchange and see creativity happen such as rehearsals. This space will be open to the public and there will be innovative displays about our history and heritage you can peruse though.

It will also be great for circulation and meetings, making it perfect for events, exhibitions or private hire. 

Welcome Area

A new visitor entrance on New Road will open up our building and make a visit more welcoming and accessible. We are also creating exciting and innovative exhibition displays about our history and trail blazing performance history. 

The Hall

The Corn Exchange entrance on Church Street will also be revived into a bright and airy space. For the first time ever all our venues will be connected and you will be able to explore the building whether you are visiting for a show or just looking for a cuppa and a wander. 

New Cafe and Bars

Bars

We will have an extra two bars available for intervals and venue hire break outs

Café

Our new street-facing café will be open all day every day and be the buzz of New Road. We hope it will be your new favourite hang out in no time. We are delighted to be opening a space where you can come visit us at any time of the day whether there is a show to see or not, we’ll have something for you to do. 

All visualisation images from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios