The Vision for the Hippodrome 2028
The ultimate aim of the Trust is to build on the initial restoration and faithfully restore the Derby Hippodrome back to the way it was in 1914; but with some state of the art enhancements. The entrance lobby would be brought back to its original splendour and decorated to a high quality. The auditorium would be fully restored to its former grandeur, seating 1500 people spread across three tiers: the stalls, the circle and the balcony. Although in need of extensive repair work, the fundamental structure of stage and back stage areas is sound and would become a platform which accommodated a broad range of large scale productions with multiple scene changes.
The Trust anticipates that the restored Hippodrome would include some subtle yet exciting additional modern features where appropriate; such as a roof top restaurant or bar which would take advantage of the beautiful view of the Cathedral Quarter visible from the Hippodrome's top floor. This is a fantastic vantage point which is currently unavailable to the general public but when restored this would offer another unique element to an evening out at the Hippodrome. The Hippodrome could also include space for art exhibitions and use the latest technology to provide an exciting educational experience for visitors.
The Hippodrome could easily support a rooftop restaurant which would be truly unique and offer spectacular views over the Cathedral Quarter.
Derby’s Group of Four
The Hippodrome would perfectly complement the city's family of theatres in 2028. The new Becketwell Theatre would be the city’s large entertainment venue for popular music and rock concerts, the Hippodrome would take its natural place as the main venue for Grand Opera, Classical Concerts, Ballets and Musicals. The Guildhall Theatre and the Derby Theatre in INTU would continue to host high quality productions for smaller audiences. Derby's "Group of Four" would support each other to bring significantly greater numbers of visitors into Derby for evening entertainment. Working together as a group of four theatres would give Derby a very strong base from which it's emerging performing arts scene could flourish and become a thriving industry for the region. The Hippodrome would be an essential part of this jigsaw and could be utilised very effectively throughout the week, providing amongst other things, a fitting home for the Sinfonia Viva Orchestra.
Green Lane & St Peter's Quarter
The Hippodrome is a key building for Green Lane. The restoration of this theatre will have a significant regenerative impact on Green Lane and this effect would be felt right through St Peter's Quarter. It would provide a nucleation point for new businesses to form as well as increasing the footfall for existing restaurants and cafes. The Hippodrome would directly provide dozens of new service sector jobs within the first year of operation and many more in subsequent years. Restoration would benefit the local business community in a number of ways, not only would it bring out the identity of the area but it would also create a community hub that would serve city centre workers as well as impressing visitors to the city. The theatre would have a dedicated education outreach programme that would serve local school children, inspiring them to take an interest in music and performing arts.
Derby Hippodrome is a major component of the regeneration of Green Lane and St Peter’s Quarter. Its restoration will have a large positive impact across the city centre especially in the surrounding roads as it acts a catalyst for other businesses.
An operational Derby Hippodrome would bring a vibrant visitor attraction to a different part of the city centre. It will help to bring about a more even distribution of urban regeneration across the city in a strategic spot where the Cathedral Quarter meets St Peter’s Quarter. The Hippodrome is also situated at the corner of the Beckett Well which is also undergoing a major regeneration which includes a new theatre. This map shows other theatre venues in Derby and demonstrates the Hippodrome’s ability to achieve an even spread of performance venues.