Project overview

Brighton Dome & The Corn Exchange

Location: Brighton, UK

Brighton Dome is a renowned multi-arts venue and conference centre located on Englands south coast. Nestled within the iconic Royal Pavilion Estate, it comprises three distinct performance spaces: the Dome Concert Hall, the Grade I-listed Corn Exchange, and the Grade II-listed Studio Theatre.

As part of a £18M major regeneration initiative, the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre required extensive refurbishment to enhance accessibility, resolve structural challenges, and modernise facilities. The goal was to transform these historic spaces into versatile, inclusive venues capable of hosting a wide range of cultural and community events. Key to this vision was the installation of modern, flexible seating that could enhance audience experience while respecting the architectural integrity of the buildings.

With a proven track record of delivering seating solutions in heritage environments, Hussey Seatway was selected to supply retractable seating systems tailored to the unique demands of listed buildings.

Solution

Working in close partnership with the architects and theatre consultants, Brighton Dome set out to breathe new life into its historic venues and re-establish them as vibrant spaces for live performance

In the Corn Exchange, seating capacity was increased with a combination of retractable and fixed floor seating, accommodating up to 500 guests. The retractable unit was designed with oak-veneered panels on the underside of each seat and the rear face of the backrest, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the room when closed.

The Studio Theatre was transformed into a highly adaptable space, suitable for a wide range of performances and private events. A new retractable seating unit was installed with a capacity of 156 seats, including removable front-row chairs to allow for wheelchair access. On the newly constructed balcony, 64 fixed seats were added, along with 60 additional HDS chairs to accommodate larger audiences.

To ensure consistency across both venues, we supplied our Gallery 3 chairs throughout. Each chair features braille numbering for accessibility, and the installation includes aisle lighting and intermediate steps to support safe and inclusive movement within the space.