Century-old building could get new lease of life.
Several key Derby organisations are pooling their expertise to try to save the derelict former HippodromeTheatre in Green Lane.
The building, which was built in 1914 as a variety theatre and converted into a cinema in 1930, was sold to developer Christopher Anthony in 2007 who, the following year, ordered work on the building which led to its partial demolition.
Derek Latham, chairman of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) – one of the partner organisations – says there is a very good chance that the combined resources and efforts of the partnership will bring the building back into use.
He said: “It is very early days, but the fact that everyone has met and a plan has formed is very encouraging.
“Everyone has a part to play and together I am sure we can achieve something.”


Mr Latham added: “The proposition becomes more attractive with the other organisations involved such as Historic England, with its extensive technical expertise and funding, which will be able to support purchasing the building.
“Also Historic England worked with ourselves and Amber Valley Borough Council to secure the future of the listed Wingfield Station, which had been derelict for decades and was secured under a compulsory purchase and which we are now taking forward as a restoration project.”
Derby Civic Society has also thrown its support behind the Hippodrome partnership and a letter to the University of Derby said: “We welcome the combined allied efforts of the partnership and hope it will aid the city councl to fulfill its obligations to an at risk listed grade II building and the Green Lane Conservation Area.
“The Hippodrome is on the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust’s list of top 12 historic buildings at risk in Derbyshire, which need to be rescued and put back into good use.
“We are entirely prepared to stand full square behind the partnership in its efforts to acquire and rehabilitate this property for an appropriate re-use.”

Mr Latham added that condition surveys and a business plan still needed to be drawn up and that it could take two to three years before much progress on the project could be seen.
He said: “It took a similar amount of time to acquire Wingfield Station, but now we are ready to start work on its restoration this year.”
Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council said: “The council has begun a process of talking to the Hippodrome partnership about their proposals and options for regeneration.
“They have some recent experience of tackling an at risk property not in their ownership with some success.
“We look forward to working with them to help them achieve their aspirations for the building.”
Credit for this article goes to Derbyshire Live.
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