Museum boss backs demolition of Dudley Hippodrome
The boss of the Black Country Living Museum today backed the controversial demolition of the historic Dudley Hippodrome, saying it was important for a multi-million tourism masterplan.
Andrew Lovett, the attraction's chief executive and director, said the emotion of campaigners fighting to save it should not be the overriding factor in keeping the landmark.
He has now written to Dudley Council pledging the museum's support to the demolition plans.
He says the demolition is "necessary" for the wider regeneration of Castle Hill linked to the £10 million scheme.
His comments come in the same week that English Heritage criticised the proposal to flatten the landmark building and create a 120-space car park.
"On balance and taking into account everything, we thought that demolition is right, as sad as that might be, and I know there are a lot of people with heartfelt feelings towards it," he said.
"We feel the wider redevelopment of the Castle Hill area must take precedence.
In his letter to the authority's planning department, Mr Lovett said the museum did recognise the Hippodrome's "social importance to past generations".
Today, Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group leader Geoff Fitzpatrick said the comments were disappointing, adding he had hoped the Dudley-based museum would get on board with saving the historic theatre.
"The Black Country Living Museum should be working with us, including Dudley Zoo and the council," said Mr Fitzpatrick.
"The Hippodrome would bring visitors to the area and the museum. Far from supporting the application I thought they would at least take an impartial position if they were commenting."
