A HISTORIC landmark would add another dimension to entertainment if kept as a theatre, protestors claim.

The Save Our Hippodrome rally – attended by 500 people – took place on Saturday by the Max Miller statue in New Road in Brighton.

Representatives spoke to crowds about the campaign to save the Grade II* listed building which used to be a concert hall.

The campaign objects to a planning application approved by Brighton and Hove City Council to convert the building into a Vue cinema and retail outlets.

Group spokesman Paul Zenon claimed cinema attendance is declining in the UK but said theatre visits were growing in popularity.

Comments on the application can be emailed to planning.applications@brighton-hove.gov.uk