Brighton Hippodrome - Stakeholder Group Launched

LONDON and BRIGHTON, England, June 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Following the purchase of the Freehold of the Brighton Hippodrome by Academy Music Group (AMG) in April 2015, we are pleased to announce that over the next six months (from 18 June to 17 December 2015), AMG will be working with ourselves, The Theatres Trust, Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC), Historic England, Our Brighton Hippodrome, Brighton Hippodrome CIC, and the Frank Matcham Society on a jointly commissioned Viability Study to identify a future use for this unique Grade II* former circus variety theatre. A Stakeholder Group has been formed with representatives of all organisations to oversee the Viability Study.

Council Leader, Warren Morgan said: "BHCC is pleased to be working with stakeholders on identifying a way forward to secure the future of the Hippodrome. This is a very positive initiative and we are keen to see a use that complements our ambitions for the economic development of this area of the city centre."

Mhora Samuel, Director of The Theatres Trust, the National Advisory Public Body for Theatres said: "We are pleased to be supporting this initiative. The group will be working together over the next six months to find a solution that will protect the historical and cultural significance of this Frank Matcham theatre and identify a beneficial viable use."

David Fisher, on behalf of Our Brighton Hippodrome and Brighton Hippodrome CIC, said: "This is the moment we have been working towards for the past 18 months. We are pleased and excited that Academy Music Group is creating this opportunity. However, this is not the end of the line, just the first milestone. We shall now be working hard on the business proposition with our stakeholder partners."

Russell Duly, Head of Property, AMG said: "The Theatres Trust and all other organisations who are involved in this steering committee have our full support to form a collaborative and experienced effort into this study."

The Hippodrome is number one on The Theatres Trust's Theatre Buildings at Risk Register and is high on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

For further information contact Rebecca Morland, Theatres Adviser, The Theatres Trust: rebecca.morland@theatrestrust.org.uk / +44-(0)20-7836-8591.

Notes to Editors