01258 475137 DONATE

The Exchange is the culmination and the focal point of a remarkable community initiative to take the lead in the regeneration of the historic market town of Sturminster Newton. The building embodies many significant themes; the process of regeneration, the active involvement of local people, architectural quality and environmental awareness.

Our Story

1967

Sturminster Hall opened, cost £17000

1997

30th June Sturminster Cattle Market closes. 5 years of community action groups trying to secure the site.

97

November Contract agreed to purchase the site. First designs for the Market Site published.

Sturminster Newton Community Centre including 301 seat theatre market hall and offices. Working closely with the community Philip Proctor created a unique and economically successful heart to the town on budget and on time.

ARCHITECT: Philip Proctor (Proctor, Watts, Cole, Rutter of Shaftesbury)

 

02

May Planning permission granted with 2 hours to spare.

05

April The Exchange: concept agreed and name chosen.

June Work starts on Market Site.

October £2.5 million secured, builders appointed: Hammonds.

November First sod turned on Community buildings site.

05

April Work starts on The Exchange

August Old Market Hill opened, Station Road closed

07

February  The Exchange ‘topped out’

30th June market Bell rung, 10 years to the day after Market closed.

1000 visitors attend The Exchange open weekend.

15th July Sturminster Hall closed.

September ‘The Ball in the Hall’, Sturminster Newton Rotary celebration.

December Official opening by Julian Fellowes

07

August Elizabeth Frink sculpture unveiled

One year celebration event.

08

Want to know more about our history?


More info

Whats On

Thu

Nov

30

Living Spit’s A Christmas Carol

Living Spit are delighted to bring you 'the alternative' Christmas show this festive season! Hard hearted Ebenezer Scrooge hates...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Dec

02

Los Pacaminos

We are thrilled to be welcoming back Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young, Drew Barfield, Mark Pinder, Steve Greetham, Jamie Moses...

More info Book Tickets
Thu

Dec

14

Unlikely Pilgrimage Harold Fry

Harold is an ordinary man who has passed through life, living on the side lines, until he goes to post...

More info Book Tickets
Fri

Dec

15

BSO – Christmas Crackers

Presented in partnership with Artsreach, join us for a special concert of festive favourites and magical winter music with ten...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Dec

16

Bare Jams

We are delighted to be welcoming Bare Jams back after a very successful concert earlier this year. 'Experience the...

More info Book Tickets
Wed

Dec

20

Christmas Memories

Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with the new 2023 production of their hit show, a spectacular spirit...

More info Book Tickets
Thu

Dec

21

Barbie

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land....

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Dec

23

One Night of SKA

One Night of Ska is a two hour homage to the music, bands and artistes that influenced two generations of...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Jan

06

Dos Amigos

The Exchange are excited to host the founding members of Los Pacminos JAMIE MOSES ( Queen & Paul Rogers, SAS...

More info Book Tickets
Thu

Jan

18

Oppenheimer

A dramatization of the life story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who had a large hand in the development...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Jan

20

We Three Kings of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Three Artists celebrate the music of three Icons of Rock n Roll Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, & Elvis Presley....

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Jan

27

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra ‘THE MAGIC OF MILLER’   Directed by Chris Dean, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra recreates the sound...

More info Book Tickets
Fri

Feb

02

The Real Manhunter Live!

Former Detective Chief Inspector with the Metropolitan Police Service and Senior Investigating Officer Colin Sutton will be appearing with ‘The...

More info Book Tickets
Thu

Feb

15

SNADS – Aladdin

A hilarious traditional Pantomime full of wonder, spectacle and amazing dance. Can Aladdin outwit the Evil Abanazer? What is that...

More info Book Tickets
Fri

Feb

16

SNADS – Aladdin

A hilarious traditional Pantomime full of wonder, spectacle and amazing dance. Can Aladdin outwit the Evil Abanazer? What is that...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Feb

17

SNADS – Aladdin

A hilarious traditional Pantomime full of wonder, spectacle and amazing dance. Can Aladdin outwit the Evil Abanazer? What is that...

More info Book Tickets
Fri

Feb

23

Watch This Space

Watch This Space sees astronomer Will Gater bring to the stage the story of the extraordinary things humans see when...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Feb

24

Chic to Chic

Chic To Chic go to every length to capture the raw funk, soul & disco dynamics of Nile Rodgers' music...

More info Book Tickets
Fri

Mar

01

The George Harrison Project

Not to be missed!  Here comes the perfect tribute to a Beatles legend! Enjoy the UK's leading live...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Mar

09

The Chas and Dave Story

The Chas and Dave Story with Rockney   The feelgood show of the year! Rockney brings to...

More info Book Tickets
Fri

Apr

19

The Passion of Living Spit

Living Spit presents The Passion of Living Spit Get ready to witness the most divine comedy of all time. Join...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Apr

20

Seriously Collins

Phil Collins / Genesis Tribute Show with 10 piece band! No gimmicks, wigs or gorilla suits… Just a genuine tribute...

More info Book Tickets
Wed

Apr

24

Megan McCubbin

Megan McCubbin Stopping extinction - an atlas of endangered species What does it take to save a species from...

More info Book Tickets
Sat

Apr

27

T Rex The music of Marc & Mickey

T Rex The Music of Marc Bolan & Mickey Finn Featuring the all star band created by Mickey...

More info Book Tickets
Wed

May

01

Paul Young – Behind the Lens

He’s been a major star for four decades. Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No...

More info Book Tickets
Sun

May

19

Tommy Blaize

Tommy Blaize – Lead Singer on Strictly Come Dancing For 20 Glorious Years Tommy Blaize has one of the most...

More info Book Tickets

Join The Exchange Family and be a Volunteer

X