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. Serviced offices and coworking space are also proposed.
“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.
“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.
