Dudley Hippodrome wins last-minute reprieve

Councillors had been due to set a demolition date for the iconic building during a meeting last night.

But they deferred making a final decision until they have more information about what the campaigners propose it could be used for in future.

The result was greeted with jubilation from members of the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group, who have been campaigning to have the building reopened as a theatre.

During last night's meeting at Dudley Council House, Councillor Tim Wright said: "When it's gone, it's gone.

"I think we really, really need to make sure every line of discussion has been explored before we consent to the demolition of the building."

Supporters of the historic building hailed councillors' 'common sense' for listening to their views, as a final decision to bulldoze the site was deferred.

Dr Paul Collins, spokesman for the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the members had the common sense to listen to the view of the people.

"I realise it's only a deferment but it gives us the opportunity for everything to be fully considered and I want to get the members inside the building.

"The outside is not so attractive but the interior is stunning and it's a magnificent theatre.

"I'm hoping that when they see that, it will win their hearts."

Last year Dudley Council announced its plan to demolish the building as part of a wider £10 million project to transform the gateway to the town.

But the Friends group launched a petition which collected more than 20,000 signatures and 38 letters of objection.

Campaigners even submitted a business plan for the resurrection of the theatre but the council had been told by an independent consultant that the plan was not viable. Before last night's meeting, around a dozen members of the group stood outside Dudley Council offices on Priory Road holding placards demanding councillors vote to save the 1,700-seater art deco building.

And, despite planning officers recommending the demolition, councillors voted unanimously to defer the decision, asking for more information.

Councillor Keiran Casey said the decision was 'really tricky' and Councillor Asif Ahmed described it as 'probably the hardest application I'll deal with'.

• Featured local business - Gastek Solutions Ltd. in Dudley