A multi-purpose venue which hosts a range of cultural events and performances. The site consists of multiple heritage buildings, including the Grade I listed Corn Exchange, and the Grade II listed Studio Theatre. The complete refurbishment of the venue has created a flexible, accessible space, fit for modern use without compromising its unique heritage. As part of the refurbishment the 200-year-old roof, made of shallow timber arches, was strengthened to allow theatre equipment to be hung directly from the structure.
This project is an excellent example of minimal intrusion to an existing building's fabric, particularly when noting its listed status and cultural value, while providing a significant improvement in usability and performance. The addition of covert truss ties beautifully brings the important listed buildings back to life.
The retention of large volumes of material was significantly aided through the adoption of the latest digital tools, allowing specific areas to be targeted for strengthening. The conservation-led refurbishment and adaptive reuse showcases a high-quality finish with a modest carbon cost and minimal visual impact.