UK: Developer Matsim Properties has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the Brighton Hippodrome, a grade II*-listed building.
Originally constructed as an ice rink in 1897, the Hippodrome became a music venue which played host to the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Most recently it was used as a Bingo Hall, but has been vacant since 2006.
A ”general neglect and lack of maintenance” since then has led to the building being listed on Historic England’s at-risk register.
The new proposals include a live entertainment venue and aparthotel.
“The proposed development will make a significant and valuable contribution towards the locally identified investment in the hotel and leisure industry within Brighton & Hove to provide valuable competition from other cities in the UK,” said a planning statement submitted to the council.
The application includes the conversion and extension of the upper parts of Hippodrome House to create 16 self-contained aparthotel rooms. Also proposed is a new-build extension to the main Hippodrome, with a dedicated entrance and frontage onto Ship Street, which would accommodate 62 aparthotel rooms.
Serviced offices and coworking space are also proposed, allowing it to “embrace new employment opportunities”.
“The proposed mixed-use development would make a significant contribution to strengthening the offerings within the cultural quarter of the city by delivering a new multi-functional entertainment venue along with a new hotel, new street level commercial space and a new restaurant,” concluded the planning statement.
