After a nine-year period of renovation and refurbishment, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts reopened to the public in May 2016, during the 50th anniversary edition of Brighton Festival. The building was designed by the architect Sir Basil Spence and was originally opened as the Gardner Arts Centre as part of University of Sussex campus in 1969. The arts centre takes its new title in tribute to the University’s former Chancellor Lord (Richard) Attenborough and his family.

The building was restored by RH Partnership architects, working in collaboration with Anne Minors Performance Consultants and Sound Space Design. The architects’ restoration of the Grade II* listed building was nominated for a RIBA regional award in 2017.

The space hosts a state-of-the-art flexible auditorium with up to 350 seats (480 standing), studio areas, rehearsal spaces, meeting rooms and a characterful café bar.