Derby Hippodrome Restoration takes an exciting step forward

As of November 2020 we are able to announce some exciting news which takes us much closer than ever towards restoring the Derby Hippodrome.

Despite suffering extensive fire-damage and vandalism over many years the Theatres Trust (a national body helping to restore theatres across the country) have confirmed that restoration of the building is achievable and a grant of £15,000 from the trust, together with other money which has been raised, is now being used by the Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust (DHRT) to appoint arts consultancy Bonnar Keenlyside.

The consultancy will prepare a business model to assess the long and short-term possibilities for the site, with respect to the present cultural, social and economic needs of the city of Derby.

Built in 1914 as a variety theatre, the Derby Hippodrome is Grade-II listed. It is high on the on the Theatres Trust’s Theatres at Risk list, in recognition of it being "a rare surviving example from an early stage in the crossover period when buildings were being constructed for both live performance and cinema".

DHRT was able to complete initial work on the feasibility of the restored Hippodrome after receiving awards from the Architectural Heritage Fund in 2010 and the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2019.

This was followed by a successful crowd-funding round, and subsequently DHRT was awarded a grant of £15,000 in May this year for the drafting of a business model from the Theatres Trust Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme.

DHRT chair Joan Travis said: “We are excited to bring experienced and acclaimed professionals Bonnar Keenlyside on board to do this important piece of work.

"We hope that the business model will give us a robust blueprint to move forward with the restoration of the Hippodrome for future generations.

"Although it is currently vacant and sadly deteriorating, the theatre has the potential to be rebuilt and restored through a phased approach which could, in the long-term, provide Derby with an exciting performance space."

Anne Bonnar of Bonnar Keenlyside said she was looking forward to working on the project and added: "We will be looking to determine what sort of theatre space and activity would be achievable and sustainable on the site and which would contribute to the cultural, social and economic life of Derby.”

The Hippodrome has been on the Theatre at Risk register since 2006. There are currently 30 on the 2020 list. In the past 14 years, 80 theatres have been saved from off the list.

Every theatre on the register has strong architectural merit or cultural heritage and, the potential to be returned to its original performance use and be a real asset to its community.

Claire Appleby, Theatres Trust architecture adviser, said: “We have reached a key moment in the story of Derby Hippodrome.

"Theatres Trust believes a restored Hippodrome Theatre could be a great asset for Derby once again and we have been supporting Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust on the best way to make this happen.

"The appointment of consultants will provide DHRT with a set of viable options for the theatre – and the vital next steps in securing its future.”

The report will be delivered by early 2021 and will include gathering thoughts and ideas from many stakeholders from across the communities of Derby and Derbyshire.