 Planning for the replacement building began in 1993 and received a significant boost when the Lottery Commission provided £3.75 million towards the fund.The glass and wooden building was designed by Glenn Howells, following selection through an architectural design competition managed by RIBA Competitions, and opened on 18 September 1998 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Jonathan Stone, then Artistic Director.The design of the Main House is based upon the shape of an Elizabethan Courtyard or Inn Yard Theatre, from which the building takes its name.