Brighton Hippodrome redevelopment plans still raise concerns

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Interior of Brighton Hippodrome in July 2013. Photo: Theatres Trust

Revised plans for the restoration of the Brighton Hippodrome still raise "significant concerns" regarding the future viability of the venue, according to the Theatres Trust.

In October last year, the trust warned that redevelopment proposals for the venue from developer Matsim Properties were "highly compromised" and would prevent the building’s return to hosting full-scale theatre.

The Hippodrome has been on the Theatres Trust’s Theatres at Risk register since it began in 2006 and stopped being used more than a decade ago.

Matsim Properties has now submitted revised proposals for the scheme to Brighton and Hove City Council for the restoration, renovation, part demolition works and extensions to the Hippodrome.

The aim of the proposals is to create a new mixed-use development including a performance space, office space, a new hotel building, a restaurant/cafe and a rooftop bar and terrace.

The Theatres Trust welcomed that revisions had been made to the proposals, stating that these "go some way towards addressing previous concerns and objections", and citing in particular the removal of offices from the fly tower and the addition of a rehearsal space.

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However, the organisation said: "Nonetheless, we still have significant concerns regarding the operability and viability of the scheme as a venue for live music, comedy, cabaret, conferencing and other such functions and events.

"This is based on our expert advice, informed through engagement and consultation with established venues and operators offering similar provision at a similar scale and capacity. These matters will need to be addressed if the flexible, multipurpose use for Hippodrome is to be a success and the loss and harm to heritage of such a significant asset is to be justified."

The trust said there needed to be a "demonstration of realistic understanding of what could be programmed at the Hippodrome" and that there were challenges around get-in and provision for hosting work. It said the application includes "arrangements most tours will find unacceptable, and a general lack of backstage facilities".

Other concerns include inadequate front-of-house facilities and accessibility within the auditorium.

Theatres Trust has made a series of suggestions to address its concerns, including for Matsim Properties to appoint an operator, and for the operator to have input into the plans, and to appoint a consultant who understands performance venues to help plan for suitable touring provision.

The Theatres Trust national planning adviser Tom Clarke said the organisation still believed the Hippodrome "could be viable as a large-scale theatre and that there is need for such a venue in Brighton".

He said: "While this proposed use could be acceptable and a viable use of the Hippodrome, and the applicant has made some welcome improvements compared to the original plans, in our expert opinion we do not believe they currently represent a proposition that would support the purposes the applicant envisages.

"On that basis, the scheme cannot justify the harm and loss of heritage that is created or the loss of ancillary land and spaces that would otherwise be necessary to support a viable venue or restorations in future. We are keen for the applicant to be successful."

Matsim Properties has been contacted for comment.