Worthing Dome & Regeneration Trust Limited
presents:
REFURBISHMENT - CONSERVATION
The historic Dome Cinema proudly opened its doors to welcome cinema lovers on July 6th 2007. The building closed in July 2005 to undergo a £2.3m makeover. This was made possible by one of the largest grants in Sussex, from The Heritage Lottery Fund, of £1.654m being awarded to the Worthing Dome & Regeneration Trust Ltd. English Heritage have also endorsed the project by contributing £200k.
English Heritage lists buildings to protect them from being wantonly destroyed and altered. Its grade II* listing ensures that all the historic features in the Dome remain. The Trust is dedicated to conservation and has produced a photographic record, which records all the areas within the building to guarantee its preservation during and after refurbishment. This can be viewed at Worthing Central Reference Library.
The Dome was purchased in 1999 from Worthing Borough Council. During the intervening years before 2005, the Trust refurbished certain parts of the building which contributed towards the overall Heritage Lottery Fund project. The stylish Projectionist's Bar opened in 2000, followed by the Electric Theatre in 2002 and the magnificent Dome Function Rooms in 2003.
However the main body of the works has been completed during the last 2 years. A new roof of Welsh slate, a completely new facade, and the upgrading of services, to include a lift, are just some of the improvements. The grants and funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the Architectural Heritage Fund has allowed the Trust to breathe life back into this unique building.
The magnificent auditorium remains unchanged apart from the reupholstered cinema seats and the foyer boasts a splendid new red carpet. The passage of time remains firmly stamped on the interior, which includes the iconic box office.
A Gala opening will follow later in the year when the Dome Function rooms, Tower Bar and downstairs café are planned to open.
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