Plans are being drawn up to bring one of Brighton’s landmark buildings back into use.
Alaska Development Consultants, on behalf of an investment client of Helix Property Advisors, is in talks with Brighton & Hove council to restore the Grade II listed Hippodrome to its former glory.
The circa 92,000 sq ft venue is leased to the Academy Music Group, which has been trying to transform the 116-year-old building into a 2,000-capacity concert venue. The council has opposed those plans.
Alaska is instead proposing to redevelop the block as an eight-screen cinema and integrate it with the adjacent 15,000 sq ft Dukes Lane shopping arcade.
It is in detailed discussions with Vue Cinemas to operate the scheme.
Alongside the cinema, the restored Hippodrome would include around 32,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants.
The Hippodrome was built in 1897, but has stood empty since 2007. It has been used as an ice rink, a circus and a bingo hall, and famously played host to The Beatles.
Chris Moore, development manager at Alaska, said: “The building has a fantastically rich and varied history and our vision is to write the next chapter of its ever-changing story. This unique restoration project will revitalise a popular tourist attraction for the city while creating hundreds of much-needed jobs.”
The redevelopment is expected to cost upwards of £18m.
Work on site could begin as early as next year, subject to planning consent.
samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com
