Dudley Hippodrome future: College 'interested' in land but would bulldoze historic theatre
The Hippodrome saga has taken yet another twist with Dudley College confirming it could swoop in to take over the site if a planned restoration fails.
But college bosses admit they have no interest in preserving the 1938-built landmark and would purely be striking a deal for the land on Castle Hill, next to Dudley Zoo.
A group formed to protect the former Dudley Hippodrome called, Black Country Hippodrome Ltd, were handed the keys and a five year lease last year with the aim of reopening it as a theatre.
But it has faced trouble raising funds and relations between the group and Dudley Council have been tense.
And it is now waiting to discover whether its request for a 20-year extension to the lease, which they say is necessary to attract the required investment, will be accepted.
Meanwhile college principal Lowell Williams and fellow bosses have held informal discussions with council officers and are monitoring the position regarding its restoration.
College spokeswoman Debbie Goode said the area on Castle Hill where the Hippodrome sits would be ideal for the college’s future regeneration proposals, which include a new £30 million university centre.
Ms Goode said the Black Country Hippodrome had been given until Christmas to come up with a viable business plan for the building and that the college would be 'keeping tabs on discussions', suggesting college bosses are waiting in the wings in the event of the rescue deal collapsing.
Ms Goode added: “The college hasn’t got an interest in running the Hippodrome but the land it sits on is part of the whole development corridor.”
Steve Daniels, of Black Country Hippodrome, said: “Of course they can talk to who they want but it’s not ethical when we are going in there.” Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “We have had an informal conversation with Dudley College, who have made it clear they may be interested in the site, should it ever become available.”
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “We continue to have meetings with a range of potential investors and developers regarding a number of sites in and around Dudley town centre.
"We have entered into a five year lease agreement with Black Country Hippodrome Ltd and this is the only agreement in place in relation to the site in question.
"We have had an informal conversation with Dudley College, who have made it clear they may be interested in the site, should it ever become available.”
