Demolition plan for historic Dudley Hippodrome

Plans to demolish a landmark theatre and create a 120-space car park have been lodged just days after campaigners handed in their proposals to save the once-renowned historic building.

The scheme by Dudley Council to create parking at the former Dudley Hippodrome, would be part of the authority's £10 million Castle Hill regeneration project, which has already been kicked-off with work on the new Dudley Archives building, in nearby Tipton Road.

But campaigners are hoping to stop to the demolition, after submitting a proposal of their own for the building, which has been lying empty for three years, since being vacated by Gala Bingo.

Friends of Dudley Hippodrome handed in a business plan to councillors this week which details how the former theatre could be reopened. The campaigners hope the plan will change the mind of councillors, who will take a look before going ahead with demolition.

Council regeneration chief Councillor Shaukat Ali said: "The application to demolish the building in no way undermines the business case being put forward by the campaigners.

"It is there in case their plan is not viable."

"We have explained to the group that while we will consider their proposal with a completely open mind, should their plan fail to proceed or prove unviable, that subject to planning consent the council would still proceed with the option to demolish the building.

"The timing of the demolition of Gala Bingo is very important in terms of avoiding peak periods for the visitor attractions in the Castle Hill area," he added.

Friends chairman Geoff Fitzpatrick said: "We remain confident we can win over the council – our plan shows it is a win, win situation for them. Any money spent will be recouped, while most of the cash needed initially will come from grants."