A MULTI-MILLION pound project to restore two historic buildings could restart, three months after it appeared to be in peril.

The development of the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre was thrown into disarray in July when the building company tasked with completing the work suddenly ceased trading.

But Brighton and Hove City Council now says the work could be resumed within a fortnight.

The work was previously entrusted to R Durtnell and Sons Ltd, Britain’s oldest construction firm, in 2017.

But when the company folded in July, the council said it had “taken back the site and made it secure”.

The council said the Grade I and Grade II listed buildings were in need of “emergency work”.

So it is currently finalising the appointment of an interim contractor to carry out “essential” procedures such as weatherproofing and drainage works.

Now members of the policy and resources committee are being urged to agree to a plan to appoint a new main contractor when they meet next week.

A council spokesman said: “The major refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre is the first phase of a wider project to re-affirm Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Estate as a key cultural destination by equipping it for a sustainable future.

“The longer-term vision aims to reunite the historic estate created by George IV in the early 19th century to create a centre for heritage, culture and the performing arts which reflects the unique spirit of Brighton.”

It is predicted that the restoration of the estate would support 1,241 full-time jobs and bring £68 million to the city.

Councillor Alan Robins chairman of the tourism economic development, culture and communities committee, said: “We are committed to completing the refurbishment of these unique buildings to protect their long-term future in the cultural heart of the city.

“Our priority is to reduce any future delays, bring the buildings back into use as soon as possible and mitigate the financial impact on the council, the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival.”

Further development of the two buildings will include new accessible toilets and a public lift providing wheelchair access to all levels of the buildings.

There will also be a new “creative space” for workshops and rehearsals.