Show will go on for Dudley Hippodrome rescue

Volunteer workers have started repainting parts of the outside of the Castle Hill landmark while temporarily halting efforts to clear out rubble and furniture from inside the former theatre and bingo hall.

They have impressive plans to rejuvenate the site with a three storey glass extension to the building and an extension of the foye.

Gordon Downing, chairman of the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome, explained: "We are told that there is asbestos in the building but until we get a feasibility study and structural survey we do not know the true size of the project so there is little point in continuing with the internal clearance until then.

"In the meantime we have to find the money to fund the study and survey. The council had done some work on this but we have been told that we will have to do our own.

"Various figures have been mentioned for the cost which will unquestionably be a lot of money and we are now looking at the possibility of grant aid."

They are currently looking at the prospect of seeking assistance for Local Enterprise Partnerships and Awards for All which offer financial help for the community activities from the Big Lottery Fund.

Mr Downing insisted: "We obviously have hurdles to get over for this to really take off but I am still optimistic that we will find sources for the funding."

Black Country Hippo Ltd, a separate group involved in the project, are now trying to get charity status, he added.

Those fighting to save the iconic venue have been given a five-year lease by Dudley Council to reopen it. Council chiefs had plans to demolish the building but these have now been shelved.