Brighton Dome, Brighton (must see)

As soon as the Pavilion passed to the town, different uses were proposed for the Dome. The proposals were a swimming pool, law courts, and an assembly room. In 1866 workers began to execute the Moorish designs of Philip Lockwood.

Lockwood installed many paintings, stained glass and an enormous chandelier. The chandelier had more than 520 gas jets. There were also smaller chandeliers hanging around the room.

The woefully expensive chandeliers came down by 1934. The Dome was then completely done over with art deco designs by Robert Atkinson. The Concert hall was furnished with walnut paneling and a new entrance.

The Corn Exchange was initially the riding school for the Prince Regent. The space measured 174 feet long, 58 feet wide and 34 feet high. The roof was made with arched timbers for support. A new facade featured a statue of Ceres, goddess of corn, by James Woodford.

Mrs Maria Fitzherbert, a longtime lover and friend of George, once stabled her horses in the space now filled by the Studio Theatre. The stables became Dome Cottage, which in time became the Pavilion Theatre. In 2012 it was named the Studio Theatre.

Redevelopment is underway on the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. The aim is to restore heritage elements, cafes, bars and public areas the better to enjoy the exotic Regency architecture.