The Vision for the Hippodrome in 2023
The target for 2023 is to set the theatre up as a basic performance venue by applying for Heritage Lottery Funding. If our HLF bid is successful, the basic restoration will include restabilising the building, constructing a basic stage and re-establishing a basic auditorium. Wherever possible phase 1 regeneration will ensure that future enhancements can easily be added later. One consideration maybe to allow for the possibility of adding a rooftop restaurant at a later date which would allow one of the building’s key situational assets (its fine view over the Cathedral Quarter) to be monetised.
The primary objectives of phase 1 restoration are to:
Halt further decay to structure
Secure the building
Clear the site of hazards and rebuild the theatre so that it protects it from the elements
Allow the building to be useable as a public space once again
A community driven performing arts venue
From the outset a restored Derby Hippodrome theatre would be dedicated to benefiting the citizens of Derby. It would introduce a community focal point and a multi-purpose, flexible performance space. We envisage this space being put to use immediately by local, amateur performing arts groups, as a musical educational venue for schools and as an interesting and alternative private hire venue.
