Dudley Hippodrome facing new danger after lack of progress claims
The proposed restoration of Dudley Hippodrome could be in danger of collapsing as the leader of the borough council said he believed 'not much progress' had been made by campaigners trying to save it.
Patrick Harley admitted the authority had started to think about other uses for the derelict landmark in the event of the rescue not coming to fruition.
The council leader said Black Country Hippodrome had been given a 'generous amount of time to get their act together to make a viable business case for retaining the Hippodrome'.
A report is due to go to cabinet in the coming weeks over the next step in the saga over the former theatre.
Campaigners have requested a 20-year extension to its current five-year lease which they say is too short to attract the necessary investment.
Councillor Harley insisted they would continue to have the council's support if they could 'meet their milestones' but suggested time could be running out.
He talked about a plan for the building if the rescue failed, including the possibility of it being turned into an information centre or used by Dudley College or the zoo.
It is estimated Black Country Hippodrome needs £5 million to make their dream of re-opening the landmark as a theatre and community building a reality.
Councillor Harley said: "My understanding is they have not made much progress, therefore a report will go to cabinet and we will make a decision.
"We have supported the retention of the Hippodrome in the past but it comes to a point where you have got a few well-intentioned people, however well-meaning they are if they can't find the resources and support to get the project off the ground then there has to be a serious discussion about what to do next."
He added: "It is still an asset, even if it is surplus to requirements, it is still an asset belonging to the local authority and it is our duty to council taxpayers to look after assets."
Control of Dudley Council switched from Labour to the Conservatives in May but Councillor Harley denied he and senior colleagues were lukewarm about the restoration of the iconic building.
He added: "If we were lukewarm in our support they wouldn't have had the time given, the five-year agreement they agreed to."
Black Country Hippodrome insist they have met their milestones for the first year of the project.
