Plan to restore derelict theatre gets cash boost

An £8,750 grant has been awarded to fund the next stage towards restoring a derelict theatre in Derby city centre.

The Grade II listed former Derby Hippodrome in Green Lane opened in 1914 and was last used as a bingo hall before it shut in 2007.

The Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) says it is determined to bring the building back to life as an alternative music venue and the grant from the Theatres Trust will be used to fund a condition survey.

The group's chairman Derek Latham, said it was "another significant step in our journey towards getting this building re-used."

DHBT, which hopes to create something similar to the famous Nottingham venue Rock City, has previously acknowledged the project faces as obstacles as the building is privately-owned, in need of urgent repairs and its listed status restricts what changes can be made to it.

Mr Latham said the group was "delighted to receive the grant.

"We can't afford initially to put the whole thing back to where it was in terms of restoration so the question is how can we use it as early as possible in the repair and restoration process?" he said.

"We have posited the concept of just using the shell: making the shell safe then repairing some of the front of house buildings - and there are three storeys of those - so it can become a venue, possibly even without a roof at first so it is an open-air venue or maybe with just a simple tension [fabric] roof on the top."

"This grant enables us to employ architects and a quantity survey to be able to look at the feasibility of that and to come up with defined, very clear solutions, that can practically be achieved so that way we know we can meet regulations... and make it safe for public assembly.

"Now we have the Becketwell Arena open at the other end of the street, it seems very appropriate to get this smaller venue up, which will fill the gap between the big new venue and the smaller venues that already exist in Derby."

The Theatres Trust - the national advisory and advocacy body for theatres - said the Hippodrome was "a rare survival from an early stage in the crossover period when buildings were being constructed for both live theatre and cinema".

A spokesperson said the building was substantially damaged in 2008 when repair works by the then-owner resulted in the partial demolition of the auditorium.

Th trust has awarded the money through its Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme.

Chief executive Joshua McTaggart said: "We are thrilled to support 10 of these fantastic theatres with essential strategic projects that will lay the foundations for their revival."

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: "Derby's historic buildings are important to our city centre, and we have been working closely with organisations like DHBT and Historic England to tackle owners who let them fall into disrepair.

"We value their expertise and dedication and will continue to support them in conserving Derby's historic environment."

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