Dudley Hippodrome dream comes to 'standstill'

It comes as campaigners say they may not be able to fund their bid to bring the beloved building back to life with just a five-year lease.

A statement released on behalf of the group, by member Steve Daniels, said they have come to a ‘standstill’.

It reads: “We always knew that the lease was nowhere near long enough but we had no alternative but to except the five-year lease because that is all the council would give us and we wanted to save the building for the future.

“What we did ask for was a side letter from the council giving us a longer lease if we meet all the critical milestones, which at the moment we do.

“We have come to a standstill on gaining funding because the length of the lease for five years is not adequate for any funders to fund the project.” A meeting between council chiefs and campaigners to discuss the lease will take place on Monday. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: “The planned meeting has been called to discuss the progress made by Black Country Hippodrome Ltd against the milestones they committed to achieving by August 2017. The present milestones do not include securing funding for the refurbishment of the building.

“It’s hoped that the milestones agreed by the Hippodrome board can be achieved so that we can move on to the next phase.

Mr Daniels added: “The outcome of this meeting is crucial for us moving forward now. All leaders of the parties in Dudley have been asked to attend in what is a very crucial meeting and one that could have great importance to our town.”

A fundraising drive to raise £10,000 towards the renovation of the landmark theatre was launched last month via a Crowdfunding page.

The group must raise around £5 million to ensure the plans can go ahead.