Dudley Hippodrome 'must not rival Wolverhampton Grand Theatre'
Campaigners behind the multi-million pound restoration of Dudley Hippodrome have to prove it will not rival Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre before receiving crucial funding.
The group leading the project has applied to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for more than £100,000 to carry out a feasibility study on the building.
However, the LEP could decide not to award funds to a scheme if it feels it could harm another venue.
Black Country Hippodrome members have hired solicitors to make their case but said they are confident they will get the money. They got into the landmark theatre for the first time in February to begin initial works and will also be focusing on removing asbestos.
Steve Daniels, from Black Country Hippodrome group which is behind the revamp plans, said there was another potential avenue for funding if the LEP does not provide the cash.
The group will need to provide evidence the 1,700-seater Hippodrome will not impact on the famous Grand Theatre by taking custom away.
Shows will run from the Hippodrome for the first time in half a century when it opens its doors again, but the building will also act as a conference venue.
Mr Daniels said: “We have got to show that it is not going to have an adverse impact on the Grand when it is open.
“We are confident we won’t be in competition.
"What we will be doing will be totally different.
"We will be doing conferences and different things.
"We are not going to be putting on shows the Grand puts on.
"It’s not going to be in competition at all.
"Ideally we would like the LEP but we haven’t got all our eggs in one basket.”
It is hoped the Hippodrome will be open in 2020.
The project to completely refurbish it from top to bottom will cost around £5 million.
The iconic building has stood empty on Castle Hill since 2009, last used as a bingo hall.
