Deal to revamp grade I-listed venue has 拢21m pricetag
Willmott Dixon is eyeing the chance to take over a 拢21m upgrade of the Brighton Dome after original fit-out contractor R Durtnell & Sons went under earlier this week.
The Kent-based builder, which traces its roots back to 1591, was appointed to the job nearly two and a half years ago.
In a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, client Brighton and Hove city council said: 鈥淥ver the coming days we鈥檒l be exploring practical options for continuing and completing these essential restoration works as soon as possible.鈥�
The scheme, drawn up by architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, also includes revamping a 1930s-built theatre.
It is the first phase of a three-phase scheme to overhaul Brighton鈥檚 Royal Pavilion estate which includes the pavilion itself and the city鈥檚 museum and art gallery.
The dome, which was built 200 years ago and is used as a music and entertainment venue, is grade I-listed while the theatre is listed at grade II. Work on the dome involves adding extra seating, creating a new viewing gallery, building new rehearsal space and restoring hidden heritage features.
Willmott Dixon teamed up with Feilden Clegg Bradley on the 拢30m revamp Alexandra Palace in north London, which last week won an RIBA national award.
In its last set of accounts, for the 12 months to December 2017, Durtnell posted turnover up a quarter to 拢51m but nosedived into the red racking up a pre-tax loss of 拢701,000.
The firm said it had been faced with cash flow issues during the period, which had required an addition 拢1.5m being pumped into the business after the year end.
The accounts, which were signed off just before Christmas last year, also revealed that the firm had to make a provision of nearly 拢650,000 against its joinery business which it said had stopped trading.
Durtnell employed more than 100 people.
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