Public fundraising for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library project hits £100k target

The fundraising campaign for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library project has reached a major milestone, with the charity successfully achieving its £100,000 public fundraising target.

 This incredible achievement marks the completion of the public phase of fundraising and allows construction works to be finalised. 

Since launching the public campaign, an extraordinary range of fundraising initiatives have been launched. From sponsored runs, bake sales, cheese and wine evenings, outdoor events and bucket collections, to special benefit performances and live events at the Corn Exchange Newbury including an evening with the legendary comedian Al Murray, fundraising concert Newbury Sounds, an evening with Bargain Hunt star Thomas Forrester, and literary festival the Festival of Words, the local community has come together in remarkable ways. Fundraising quizzes, open mic nights, raffles, radio and TV interviews, and tours of the Old Library have also contributed to reaching this impressive landmark total.

After almost two years of dedicated fundraising, towards a total £1.3 million target, the project is set to deliver a permanent, accessible and welcoming arts hub, providing a home for Corn Exchange Newbury’s creative participation programmes. The new creative hub will enable Corn Exchange Newbury to expand and enhance its creative programmes, delivering events designed to improve the emotional, physical and mental wellbeing of the local Newbury community and beyond. The new initiatives, including youth dance companies and mobility and balance classes for adults, will complement an expanded youth theatre and a growing programme for the over-55s, featuring Sing 55 and Dare to Dance. The summer programme of events will go on sale to Corn Exchange Members on 5th March at 10am and to the general public on 12th March at 10am. Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about these. 

The Old Library will also feature a bright and airy café bar, offering fresh, handmade treats and locally roasted coffee. Providing a welcoming place for visitors to meet, gather and connect, it will create a vibrant social space at the heart of the building.

As preparations continue for the building’s opening in April 2026, fundraising is now focused on fitting out the interior to ensure it is fully equipped to host a wide range of creative courses and classes. Alongside approaches to local funders, and appeals for one off gifts and gifts in kind, the popular Name a Seat appeal continues to give supporters the chance to leave a lasting legacy within the building, attracting support from notable figures such as Dame Julie Walters.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to donors and funders, along with support from Greenham Trust to purchase the building, whose generosity has helped make this project a reality.