The man who will oversee the new Brighton Dome theatre complex has been appointed.

Robert Sanderson, manager of the Cambridge Corn Exchange, will take up his post as general manager of the Dome in March.

He has already revived the fortunes of the Cambridge venue, making it one of the most successful cultural complexes of its type.

The full transformation of the Brighton Dome, helped by a £21 million lottery grant, will be complete in the autumn.

Contractors are completing the largest part of the refurbishment, transforming the Dome auditorium into a magnificent concert hall.

Mr Sanderson started his career at the Palace Theatre, Watford, and has been involved in a wide range of venues including Poole Arts Centre, Cornwall Coliseum and the Southampton Mayflower Centre.

As general manager of the Brighton Dome, Mr Sanderson will be responsible for the commercial, artistic and educational success of its three venues - the Pavilion Theatre, Corn Exchange and Dome Auditorium.

He said: "I am very enthusiastic about joining the Brighton Dome and Festival team at this exciting time.

"The development of Brighton and Hove as a cultural centre is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to playing my part in raising this ambition."

The Dome was built in 1808 as a stable block for the Royal Pavilion. In 1866 it was transformed into an exhibition hall.