Brighton and Hove City Council unanimously approved plans to renovate, restore, partially demolish, and extend the deteriorating Brighton Hippodrome in a council meeting on Wednesday.
The plans include creating a multi-format flexible performance space with internal bar areas, a member’s club, roof terraces, a hotel, and a shop.
Brighton Hippodrome’s owner, local developer Matsim, has spent over £5 million replacing the building’s roof and saving the plaster ceiling.
Carol Theobald, Conservative councillor, said: “The restoration work so far is wonderful. It is a unique building by the famous architect Frank Matcham. The Hippodrome is probably the only circular circus-type auditorium in the country now.
“I remember seeing The Beatles there, and that was quite a thing. You couldn’t hear them much because of the noise, shouting, and screaming! But I remember it.”
Brighton Hippodrome has been vacant since 2006 and has sustained damage, including water ingress in different areas of the site and failing structures.
The building is also on the Heritage at Risk Register, and the rear of the building suffers from damp and dry rot.
Chloe Goldsmith, Green councillor, said: “The conversations I’ve personally had with residents have been very positive about the idea of the Hippodrome redevelopment. I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t want to see a better future for this building.”
A representative from the Theatres Trust, Tom Clarke, raised concerns about the limited range of events the building can hold and the lack of audience facilities such as toilets.
Simon Lambor, Matsim director, said: “Concerning Tom Clarke’s comments, we feel that the Theatres Trust has absolutely no legal remit to comment on this building given that it’s never been wholly or mainly for the performance of plays.”
Labour councillor Joy Robinson also expressed concerns in the meeting about large-sized vehicles reaching the Brighton Hippodrome on Middle Street, which is one-way.
Andrew Renaut, Head of Transport Policy and Strategy, said: “The plans that were submitted by the applicants show that vehicles will approach the site from the south via Middle Street. They will then enter and exit the site.
“In particular, the details associated with those movements is expected to include reference to those vehicle movements being marshalled safely by trained and qualified marshals to manage the movements.”
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, supports this application and has been working to reach a positive solution for the Brighton Hippodrome since she was first elected.
