PLANS to transform two venues as part of a £41 million regeneration project have received a £3 million cash boost.

The first phase of the scheme will transform the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, formerly the Pavilion Theatre, in the heart of the Royal Pavilion Estate.

The work will reveal and restore previously hidden heritage features as well as providing extra seating and a new viewing gallery.

The Studio Theatre, which was built as a supper room, will also undergo major improvements with balcony seating, a new artists’ creation space and a café opening on to a plaza at street level. Builders started on site this month.

The total cost of phase one is £21 million and this latest grant from the Coast to Capital Local Growth fund means only another £1.7 million is needed.

It is the first step in what is hoped to be a transformation of the Royal Pavilion and Museums estate. City council leader Warren Morgan welcomed the funding.

He said: “The city has an international reputation for its fantastic arts and culture offer and this is something we’re keen to maintain and build on for the benefit of all our communities.

“This funding goes towards a project that will secure local jobs and help support local businesses that benefit from tourism and visitors to the city.

“Working together as a sector means we can get the most out of funding and other opportunities and create the conditions for the city’s arts and cultural economy to thrive for decades to come.”

The grant comes after funding already secured from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Money has also come from the city council, charitable trusts and individual patrons.

Fundraising will continue throughout the works.

Hedley Swain, director for the South East of Arts Council England, said: “This award is a brilliant endorsement of the Royal Pavilion Estate capital project and its importance to the future success of Brighton.”

The project will be completedin three phases over the next few years, reaffirming the estate as a key cultural destination.