New pictures of work to restore the Brighton Hippodrome have been released following planning approval being granted last week.
Work to restore the plasterwork was already underway when councillors approved Matsim’s plans to revamp the Middle Street theatre and build offices and an aparthotel this month.
Today, Artisan Plastercraft, which has been busy refurbishing the venue’s historic plasterwork, released pictures of the work they have been carrying out to its domed roof.
Having made the building watertight – the latest work will now see ceiling restoration move to lower floors.
Michael Arney, Director of Artisan Plastercraft, said: “We are thrilled to be back on site so quickly and pushing ahead with the important work to restore this historic building.
“The latest update shows the ceiling restoration progressing towards the lower areas, with the extensive scaffolding required for access to the Oculus and upper areas now removed.
“This has revealed the full extent of the beautifully renovated and decorated plasterwork in all its splendour.
“Our current work is focused on the gallery areas that are above the uppermost seating of the main auditorium. These feature Victorian circus style fibrous plaster enrichments which, in many cases, have been recreated from the originals or secured and restored on site.”
The building owner, local family firm Matsim Properties, has already spent over £5 million replacing the roof and saving the plaster ceiling since it purchased the building in 2020.
Simon Lambor, director of Matsim Properties, said: “We are delighted that the council has given approval to our plans to refurbish Brighton Hippodrome.
“We have overcome a number of hurdles to get to this point and there were concerns that if they hadn’t approved we would have been back to square one – but we are thrilled with this huge step forward and pleased to see work already progressing.
“We are very excited about the future of this important building.”
The building was originally designed as an ice rink in 1897, but converted into a circus in 1901 before becoming a theatre the following year.
It has stood empty since 2006 and was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register due to weather damage including damp and dry rot.
Previous planning applications had been revised including moving the height of the aparthotel building from nine storeys to seven storeys.
Looks great!
Such good news. Not much about of that recently
Wow factor in abundance ! Can’t wait to go see in real life.
Yes, looks great, hope there will be a wide range of events/ concerts. Not necessarily more of the same fare that we get in Brighton.
Hi Patcham Guy. I’m really curious as to what you mean by the same fare? Brighton always struck me as really varied. What is it you’re hoping for that you feel isn’t already being done? As a performer myself I am intrigued and would love to know more.
Yes I was wondering that too ! Brighton offers drama , dance , opera , cabaret , orchestral concerts , comedy . It’s a shame the need for bigger shows that can’t fit into the Theate Royal can’t really go there with the flying tower having had to be sacrificed but it’s a HUGE achievement by many volounteers who I’m sure will next rise to the programming challenge . But we must give them all our support and get involved
Looks great.
Absolutely great to see the restoration of a historical Brighton building which has an interesting past. Congratulations to all concerned with this project.
Pity it will not be able to stage the BIG touring shows that Brighton currently misses out on. If only they could reconfigure the ‘get in’ area so that the large trucks could park & off load these large shows.
Unfortunately, that would necessitate knocking down adjacent buildings in Middle St to allow the panteknikans up the road and into the rear loading bay. And because of the nature of the restoration the fly floor has had to be removed. This was essential work to maintain the structural integrity of the building whilst allowing it to be transformed into a multi purpose (and viable) venue.
They missed the opportunity of the Essoldo in North street that was a large site (now shop and another supermarket) close to the station for out of town visitors could have had ballet orchestras pop exhibitions etc
Can I ask,are you going to do another open day ? I really enjoyed having a look at the work so far,it looks amazing and would love to come again
When are we able to visit? Can’t wait!
Yes Let’s Hope the Council Tax Payers of Brighton and Hove will be able to Afford to go to the Shows 🤔🤔🤔
If it wasn’t for Matsim, there wouldn’t be any shows.
Can’t wait to see it finished. Saw the Beatles there, and many other bands as well. Our very own Mascham theatre. Superb!👍
Hi Foxy, I guess my comment was more out of nostalgia, I’m over 60! Not keen on today’s electronic sounds, I hesitate to call it music. I remember when bands could actually play instruments and they had a lead vocalist, and a melody or tune! However my comment was not a complaint, perhaps I’m more of a classical fan these days. I last went to the dome to hear an orchestra. However I’m pleased the hippodrome is being restored. We’ll wait and see what is on offer there, classical music probably won’t be suitable. Hope that’s satisfied your curiosity!
I saw Helen Shapiro perform there, and Dave Allen was the supporting act.I still have my programme. I loved the shows at the hippodrome.Good lucky to the present owners