Poole’s Greendale Construction is getting stuck into a 34-week project carrying out improvement and remodelling works at the Grade II listed Dorchester Corn Exchange.

The renovation will see the ground floor knocked through and the building’s original layout restored, bringing in a new bar area and community meeting space and a revamped reception and box office for the foyer – as well as improvements to the town hall.

Having begun works on 5 August, the project is due for completion on 31 March 2025.

In the meantime, the building will remain largely open for business as a venue for Dorchester Arts’ busy events and performance schedule.

Mark Tattersall, artistic director of Dorchester Arts, said: “We’re hugely excited about the transformation of this historic gem in the heart of the county town.

“Greendale Construction’s experience of working in heritage buildings is incredibly valuable – as is their flexibility and consideration in working around our programme of performances and events, which will continue throughout the project.”

Designed by Benjamin Ferrey and completed in 1848, the venue originally comprised a corn exchange, assembly hall and council chamber, with a new market and police station added in the 19th century.

The clock turret – which at the time concerned onlookers who thought it might fall from its slender pillar – was added in 1864 and became known as Galpin’s Folly after the then Mayor Galpin.

Rob Hooker, director of Greendale Construction, added: “Greendale are proud to be main contractors at the Corn Exchange project.

“Our team is collaborating closely with our clients and the designers to deliver these important refurbishment and improvement works to such a historic building.”

• greendaleconstruction.com