A NEW copper roof for part of the Brighton Dome has been approved.
The new roof will see Studio Theatre protected and restored to its former glory as part of Brighton Dome’s major refurbishment.
Built in 1935, the Grade II listed building in New Road, Brighton, was originally used as a supper room for the Corn Exchange and later converted to a theatre in the 1950s.
The Brighton and Hove City Council planning committee approved the proposals to provide a new copper roof on September 1.
The roof has been patched up in recent years, but the copper continued to fracture and is now “too fragile to repair”, according to council.
“Making the roof safe and watertight will also protect the building for the long-term,” a council spokesman said.
The pyramid shaped roof will initially have a different appearance as the new metal will be a bright copper colour.
This will dull to a soft brown within the first year and continue to change back to the soft, mint green of the existing roof as the metal naturally ages.
As part of the works, the old copper will be recycled by the roofing contractor.
Councillor Martin Osborne said replacing the copper on the Studio Theatre will provide a unique opportunity to see what the roof looked like when it was originally built.
“It will secure the building’s long-term future for visitors to enjoy for years to come,” he said.
“It is great to see the restoration taking shape, with works able to continue during the pandemic. When the venues re-open they will make a significant contribution to the city’s cultural recovery.”
The roof improvements are part of the Royal Pavilion Estate regeneration project - a partnership between Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton Dome, Brighton Festival and the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust.
The project aims to revitalise the estate and secure its future as a world-class cultural destination.
The first phase of the project is nearing completion with Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, originally built as a riding house in the early 19th century for the Prince Regent, undergoing significant restoration and refurbishment.
Further phases will see improvements to the Royal Pavilion Garden and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.
The Royal Pavilion Estate project recently completed specialist work to clean and restore the exterior of the Studio Theatre.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel