We are planning an exciting renovation to the Corn Exchange which would see our much-loved venue modernised, helping us to ensure we can continue providing the live experiences our audiences love. 

As custodian of the Corn Exchange, we need to invest in its upkeep and we want to do this in a way that will ensure the venue remains a leading cultural venue for future generations. 

Improvements to the Corn Exchange are being proposed through the council’s Civic Quarter project to reimagine the area in central Cambridge comprising the Guildhall, Corn Exchange, Market Square and public spaces in between.

The redevelopment will help us reduce maintenance costs that otherwise continue to increase, whilst improving accessibility, hospitality, and the experience for both performers and audiences. 

Works include upgrades to the auditorium, improvements to foyer and bar areas, changes to the surrounding public space, and new back-of-house facilities.

The project will also improve the environmental performance of the building through measures such as roof upgrades, new energy systems and the installation of solar panels, helping to reduce energy use and bring down our carbon emissions by up to 80%, in support of the council’s net zero ambitions.

Latest updates

• The planning applications related to the Corn Exchange renovations were approved by Planning Committee on 25 March 2026 – find out more about the planning decision
• A further decision on whether to proceed with the project will be taken by Cabinet and then Full Council in November 2026
• If given the go ahead by councillors in November, the Corn Exchange will close at the end of December ahead of renovation works starting in January 2027, with reopening expected within 18 months
• This means we haven’t published an events programme for January 2027 or beyond
• We have been considering the viability of providing a temporary cultural venue to host events during the Corn Exchange closure but unfortunately it is unlikely that we will be able to find a workable option
• If councillors decide not to go ahead with the renovation, the Corn Exchange team will need time to build a new events programme, with shows likely to start appearing on the schedule from autumn 2027 onwards

The proposals

The proposals for the Corn Exchange are to enhance seating arrangements and facilities - including more toilets - to ensure everyone can enjoy the venue.

The Parson’s Court passageway next to the Corn Exchange will be transformed into a social space for people buying refreshments, with new bar areas being introduced inside the Corn Exchange to provide a wider variety of options and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Lifts will be added to ensure full accessibility, while also making all areas, including the small bar, more welcoming.

Concerns about the acoustics of the hall have been reflected to us by several groups; we will be working to improve sound quality and upgrading the stage rig and other audio-visual equipment to ensure performances and events meet the highest standards for audiences and performers, securing the Corn Exchange's reputation as a sought-after performance venue.

Additional improvements will also be made, including improving back of house and temperature control systems, and getting as close to net zero as possible within the building’s heritage constraints, including introducing air source heat pumps and solar panels.

Cambridge Corn Exchange is the largest performance venue in the East of England, vital to Cambridge’s cultural life. The proposed enhancements will ensure it continues to thrive.