New fundraising drive for Dudley Hippodrome launched

It comes as Dudley Hippodrome campaigners say 'a few hurdles' have been put in the way of their bid to bring the beloved building back to life.

The Crowdfunding page called 'Restore the wonderful Dudley Hippodrome' was set up by The Black Country Hippodrome group, and says that funds are 'urgently needed' for essential work.

In recent months an impressive clean up of the building has taken place inside and out, with a 15-strong team donning protective gear to enter the building which has stood empty since 2009.

A statement on the fundraising page reads: "We urgently need to raise funds for essential asbestos surveys to be carried out and removal works to be completed to ensure that the volunteers and workmen can continue to clean and begin restoring what is an important part of our Black Country Heritage.

"The task of cleaning up the Hippodrome is obviously massive, and is 100 per cent reliant on volunteers at this stage who cannot risk their lives going into what is potentially an unsafe environment, with loose ceiling tiles, hanging light fittings and most seriously of all – asbestos."

It continues: "We want to see the Hippodrome restored and opened to the public as a multi-purpose arts venue, not only for people of the West Midlands but from across the country.

"Being centrally located, and just a stones throw from the ever popular Black Country Museum and Dudley Castle the Hippodrome is uniquely placed to offer both local people and visitors not only a wide range of entertainment, but a 'step back in time' in one of the region's greatest giants!

"Please, please donate whatever you can to support this incredibly worthwhile cause."

The group must raise around £5 million to ensure all the plans can go ahead and work can begin to re-open the building.

The keys to the theatre were passed over to members by Dudley Council just days before Christmas.

They have already cleared the lobby and are now onto the auditorium.

The landmark building was opened in 1938, and held host to dozens of famous faces such as Tommy Cooper, Max Miller and Laurel & Hardy in its heyday.

It closed as a theatre in 1964. It was a bingo hall for many years until it closed its doors in 2009 and has remained empty ever since.

To donate to the cause visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/restore-the-wonderful-dudley-hippodrome