Live performance could be brought back to the Hippodrome in London’s Leicester Square as part of an £8m restoration plan.
Casino and leisure veterans Simon Thomas, Jon Shipley and Peter McNally submitted plans to Westminster last week to transform the rundown, Grade II listed building into a members-only casino and cabaret club.
The plans which involve rearranging the 64,200 sq ft nightclub to add 2,400 sq ft also include a card room, restaurant and bar.
The trio’s company, United Leisure Gaming, is in talks with freeholder Viscount Cranbourne’s Gascoyne Holdings to take over the lease, and plan to reopen in spring 2008.
Thomas said: “One of the most exciting aspects of our application is to bring back live performance.
“Members will be able to enjoy live entertainment in luxurious surroundings.”
The Hippodrome was built in 1900 for variety performances and became a cabaret restaurant in the late 1950s.
It was turned into a nightclub in 1983.
The property has been empty since October, when nightclub operator Lucid Entertainment failed to get a new licence.
The restaurants and amusement arcade to the rear of the building will be unaffected by the scheme.
Montagu Evans is advising on planning; Scott Brownrigg is the scheme’s architect.
References: EGi News 24/02/06
