Derby Hippodrome

Significance

Derby Hippodrome is a large Grade II listed variety theatre built in 1914. It is a rare survival from an early stage in the crossover period when buildings were being constructed for both live theatre and cinema. This building form proved to be the model for most cinema design from the 1930s onwards.

Why is this theatre at risk?

Derby Hippodrome has been on the Theatres at Risk Register since 2006 when we started the list.

Following the end of the former theatre’s use as a bingo hall in 2006, substantial damage was caused in 2008 when the then-owner was supposed to be undertaking essential repair works. Disastrously these works have left the theatre partially demolished. Since then, there have been incidents of arson and vandalism leading to the partial destruction of the auditorium. The front of house is severely dilapidated and unauthorised access has been an ongoing problem.

There is now vegetation growth throughout the now-unroofed portions of the building. The owner’s current plans, if any, are unknown. While the building has the potential to provide the city with an elegant lyric theatre or live music venue, this must complement and align with the wider city centre cultural offer.

Theatre potential

A recent feasibility study has identified that the Hippodrome has the potential to be rebuilt (or partially rebuilt) and restored for either theatre or music use that could provide Derby with an elegant 1,000-1,200 capacity venue that is not currently available in the city.  However, finding a solution to restoring the Hippodrome has been hindered by the private ownership of the building and the owner’s lack of engagement.

Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust was formed in 2010 following the partial demolition of the auditorium and stage house in 2008. It actively campaigned to secure, restore and reopen the building and, with Theatres Trust’s advice and support, commissioned work to evidence the viability of this including:

In 2016 - a structural assessment and valuation of the property demonstrating that the main structure was sound

In 2018 – completing a high-level business plan and viability study for the building that provided for a phased approach to restoring the building, allowing for active use while proposals are developed and funding sought for the full-scale restoration of the venue

In 2020/21 – Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust were awarded a Theatres Trust's Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme grant of £15,000 to support a detailed study into the operational viability of the Hippodrome, undertaken by arts consultancy Bonnar Keenlyside. The final report identified that the theatre building has a potential future as a live music venue. 

In April 2023 Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust received a grant from our Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme to take forward the recommendations from the 2021 Bonnar Keenleyside operational viability study. Working with Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust as a key partner this work will focused on creating a road map to move the Hippodrome from being a derelict building to a destination music venue.

Current situation

The future of the Hippodrome must be seen against the wider cultural ambition for Derby. A significant regeneration scheme for the Becketwell area of the Derby city centre is underway. This is being delivered by a private property developer, alongside Derby City Council. Work is now underway on a new 3,500-capacity events and conference venue, which will be operated by ASM Global, a leading venue management and services company, and producer of live experiences. Completion and handover to the operator is scheduled for early 2025.

Derby City Council, together with Derby Theatre and the University of Derby, has secured £20m from the Levelling Up Fund which is also due to improve the cultural provision across the city centre. While the original proposal had been to create a new learning theatre on the site of the Assembly Rooms, this plan has been abandoned due to rising costs. The current scheme will see the funding split between the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Theatre to enhance their existing facilities. 

While regeneration will undoubtedly benefit the city centre , neither of these development schemes address the Hippodome site. Theatres Trust, Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust continue to push the role of the Hippodrome within the regeneration of the area and the opportunities that this elegant Grade II building could offer in terms of the setting, cultural offer to complement that of the wider city, and economic and community benefit.

Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust is now exploring funding options that would enable them to take the next steps in developing the music venue concept as the future use of the building.

In the meantime, the state and condition of the building continues to decline.

Derby City Council is considering all available options to secure the repair and long-term future of the Hippodrome building. This is in the context of the council’s general financial constraints and would be subject to securing the necessary approvals within Derby City Council and the necessary funding and resources, including support from Historic England. Historic England as a key partner and stakeholder continues to work with the council to move this process forward.

Any consideration of acquisition of the Hippodrome through Derby City Council would be subject to appropriate governance, and approval, a simultaneous with a suitable end user and a viable funded business plan for redevelopment and operation of the site.

Theatres Trust will continue to advocate for action to prevent further decline in the condition of the building and support Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust in developing a viable future for the building, should there be a change of ownership.

Main photo Derby Hippodrome, Theatres Trust