Venue operator invests £25m to reopen hippodrome

The owners of the Brighton Hippodrome say new funding of £25m will allow them to reopen for performances once renovation work has been completed.

The Grade II* listed building has been vacant since 2006, and was bought by Brighton-based family firm Matsim Properties in 2020, which began restoration work on the theatre.

This included installing a new roof to protect the venue's circular auditorium and ornate ceiling, which makes it one of the most architecturally significant circus theatres in the UK, Matsim says.

"After five years of tackling extensive damage caused by dry rot and water penetration, we are thrilled to see the Hippodrome ready for its next chapter," Simon Lambor of Matsim said."

With the new round of funding from Academy Music Groups (AMG), essential upgrades to infrastructure and facilities will be delivered to allow the hosting of "more incredible performances", AMG said.

The venue operator also invested £9.5m alongside Live Nation as part of a wider redevelopment project.

Opened in 1901, the Brighton Hippodrome was originally converted from a skating rink and later became a Variety Theatre, hosting famous acts including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Steve Hoyland, AMG's chief operating officer, said: "To open a venue in Brighton is an absolute privilege, and to see this historically important building alive with performance again will be an honour."

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