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 proposals will improve accessibility, sustainability and visitor facilities, while protecting the historic character of the building. Works include upgrades to the auditorium, improvements to foyer and bar areas, changes to the surrounding public space, and new back-of-house facilities to support performers and events.

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 support the council’s net zero ambitions.

Latest updates

In late 2025 the Civic Quarter project team submitted three planning applications for the Civic Quarter project to the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP) service.

Planning Committee took place on 25 March – find out more about the planning decision and next steps.

A further decision on whether to proceed with the project will be taken by Cabinet and Full Council in autumn 2026, before any work would start on site from January 2027.

The proposals are for the Corn Exchange to be reopened within 18 months.

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.

By involving local people in the design strategy, we hope to attract a wider, more diverse audience to the Corn Exchange.

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.

Construction period

To allow the refurbishment works to take place, the Corn Exchange would need to close during the construction period.

To ensure the cultural, conferencing and civic events that currently take place in the Corn Exchange are able to continue – and to support the continuation of the secondary economic activity related to these events – the council is considering the viability of a temporary venue.

At Cabinet on Tuesday 24 March, councillors approved proposals to further investigate this opportunity, with a final decision expected to be made in autumn 2026 (at the same time as the final decision on whether to proceed with the Civic Quarter project will be taken).