I did a little talk for the Wellsbourne Society of Brighton tonight, about the history (and possible future) of the Hippodrome Theatre here; a venue with an incredible history by any standards. I genuinely forgot to end with my little prediction for what its worth, and so would appreciate it if someone might record it for posterity in this disposable digital age: The property development company who have had their plans to change the venue into an 8 screen cinema, 4 restaurant and several retail outlet venue accepted while upping their ante of estimated £18 million to £35 million investment during the process (why would you up it other than to fend off opposition?) will be losing (demolishing) the stage area and fly towers, and permanently closing off loading access, effectively making it impossible for it to ever be turned back into a live theatre venue despite their supposedly reversible changes pitch. Brighton really isnt short of cinemas, besides which venues such as the Astoria (an Art Deco cinema) on the Old Steine have recently been sold off to be redeveloped as flats. Heres my actual prediction: given a few years, it will turn out that the multi-small-screen cinema concept doesnt work for the Hippodrome, but at that point its no longer viable for it to be converted back to a live venue due to the changes implemented in the meantime. Only option then - redevelopment to retail and residential. Love, Psychic Pauly
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 23:54:39 +0000
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