We’re improving! But it comes with a cost...
First the really good news.
The redevelopment of the front of our home venue, Dorchester’s iconic Corn Exchange, started in August 2024 following the successful 2021 upgrade of the auditorium and dressing rooms. The renovation will restore the building's original layout, creating a new bar with large windows, creating new modern central toilets, and a new community meeting area. The foyer will be transformed into a welcoming space, full of light, for audiences and visitors with a new accessible reception and Box Office.
Then the even better news - this building work is fully funded, and the results will be a wonderful new asset for the town. And because we know how awful losing things is (#Covid) we are NOT going to close!
BUT we do have a problem! Although the Corn Exchange and Town Hall will stay open throughout, they will be even busier than usual, some daytime activities will have to change because of noise, and we are losing one of our popular hire spaces - The Magistrates Room - while it is remodelled. This means that we will lose our vital hires income stream for six months - a short term loss that needs to be filled.
So, can you help us bridge another gap? We would be very grateful!