The historic Brighton Dome has taken centre stage once again—this time not just for its world-class events, but for its architectural excellence. The iconic venue has won a prestigious RIBA South East Award for the refurbishment of its Grade I and Grade II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre spaces. The achievement highlights the creativity and care poured into restoring this treasured part of the city’s cultural infrastructure, and further cements Brighton Dome’s status as a powerhouse in both the events and tourism industries.
Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), the project has also been shortlisted for the RIBA National Awards, with winners to be announced in July. As highlighted in a recent BBC News feature, the redevelopment was praised for being an “innovative and sensitive redevelopment” of historically significant spaces—an approach that speaks to the Dome’s vision of honouring heritage while enabling modern use.
The project forms part of a larger £38m transformation that saw the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre reopen in 2023 after years of careful restoration. The result? A breath-taking blend of architectural heritage and contemporary design, with adaptable, state-of-the-art spaces that can host everything from corporate conferences and meetings to lavish dinners and live performances.
A National Example of Sustainable Restoration
This year's RIBA South East Awards placed a strong focus on imaginative re-use and conservation, with jury chair Lisa Shell emphasising that many of the winning projects creatively repurposed existing structures—shifting the narrative towards sustainable development. The Dome's transformation stands out as a flagship example of this movement, offering not only preserved beauty but an increased level of functionality for modern events.
Shell noted how the projects demonstrate that “the architects' imagination can transform existing houses into homes of unique and enduring character or magic a much-needed community asset.” In the case of the Dome, the “community asset” has been elevated to something exceptional: a multi-functional cultural hub steeped in history but designed for future flexibility.
A Beacon for UK Events
Architectural accolades aside, Brighton Dome isn’t resting on its laurels. The venue is gearing up for two major upcoming events that reinforce its importance on the national events calendar.
In June, Brighton Dome will play host to the VisitEngland Tourism Awards for Excellence, a high-profile occasion that draws the most influential players in the UK tourism industry. Hosting the awards not only showcases the Dome’s capabilities but underscores Brighton’s growing reputation as a premier destination for national and international gatherings.
Also next month, the Dome will welcome GEANT TNC 25, one of the largest conferences the venue has hosted since its reopening. This global event promises to be a highlight in the calendar, bringing together experts in research and education networking. In a fun and transparent twist, the organisers even recorded one of their site visits—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the venue’s readiness and appeal.
More Than Just a Beautiful Space
The Corn Exchange’s refurbishment has breathed new life into an already iconic venue, but what makes Brighton Dome truly unique is its ability to serve so many purposes simultaneously. It’s not just a theatre or a concert hall or a conference centre—it’s all of these things and more.
With its new upgrades, event planners now have access to spaces that are rich in history but outfitted with modern AV technology, flexible seating arrangements, and exceptional acoustics. Whether it's a high-level business summit, a cultural performance, or a gala dinner, the Dome’s team is ready to deliver unforgettable experiences.
An Invitation to Experience the Best of Brighton
With this latest string of successes, Brighton Dome is clearly on a roll. From winning regional awards and being shortlisted nationally, to hosting flagship events that celebrate the best of UK tourism and technology, the Dome continues to evolve as a central player in the UK’s events ecosystem.
So, if you’re scouting for a venue that combines heritage, innovation, and logistical versatility, Brighton Dome is well worth a closer look. Whether you're planning a large-scale conference, an elegant awards ceremony, or a dynamic product launch, the team is ready to make your event shine.
Visit our Venuefinder page to find out more!