Westridge Construction appointed as replacement contractor on Brighton Dome

The contractor company Westridge Construction Ltd has been appointed by the Brighton and Hove City Council to continue with redevelopment works to the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre after the previous contractor, R Durtnell and Sons, stopped trading in July.

Westridge were confirmed as the replacement contractor earlier in the month and will recommence the construction of accessible toilets, hearing assistance systems, a public wheelchair-accessible lift, and a new creative space, all of which have been considered to improve the general accessibility of the building.

The Chief Executive of the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival, Andrew Comben stated: “We are grateful to Brighton and Hove City Council for their commitment and swift action on procuring an interim contractor.

“Westridge have an impressive track record of working on heritage building projects such as Ditchling Museum and Battle Abbey.

“We are delighted they are a local company and together with project architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, we look forward to collaborating with their team on progressing the project.”

The Managing Director of Westridge Construction, Martin Buckthorpe added: “It is a pleasure to have been chosen as the preferred contractor to continue works on this prestigious building, reinforcing our positive ongoing relationship with Brighton and Hove City Council.

“Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre project retains Westridge’s presence in the city centre, following the successful completion of the Hannington Lane development earlier this year.

“Brighton’s historic landmarks play a key role in the local community and we are honoured to be playing our part in their on-going restoration.”

Redevelopment of the dome forms part of the first phase of a wider project to reaffirm Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Estate, with funding for this project having been gathered through the combined efforts of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Coast to Capital Local Growth Fund, private trusts, and the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival.

The Council’s Lead Member for Culture, Councillor Alan Robins concluded: “This is such a unique and important project for the city’s heritage and we are pleased that the committee supported our plan to move forward. It is an exciting time for the Royal Pavilion Estate and the refurbishment will protect and unite its buildings for future generations to explore and enjoy.”

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