A NEW contractor has been selected to repair a historic building after the original went bust.

Brighton and Hove City Council has named Westridge Construction as its preferred interim contractor to take over redevelopment of the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.

R Durtnell and Sons, which was originally chosen to conserve the buildings, ceased trading in July.

Now Westridge Construction is set to begin waterproofing and drainage work to protect the historic buildings.

Brighton Dome chief executive Andrew Comben said: “Westridge has an impressive track record of working on heritage building projects such as Ditchling Museum and Battle Abbey.”

Westridge has completed a number of projects in Brighton, including the refurbishment of Hove town Hall and Hannington Lane.

Managing director Martin Buckthorpe said: “It is a pleasure to have been chosen as the preferred contractor to continue work on this prestigious building.”

Councillor Alan Robins, in charge of culture in Brighton, said he was pleased the project was moving forward.

“It’s an exciting time for the Royal Pavilion Estate and the refurbishment will protect and unite its buildings for future generations.”