The man behind the development of Brighton Hippodrome has spoken of his excitement after it was given the green light.

Simon Lambor, director of family-run developer Matsim, was at the meeting yesterday when long-awaited permission was given for the Grade II* listed site.

Cheers rung around Hove Town Hall as planning committee members unanimously approved what they described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to restore the 127-year-old building.

Matsim is hoping to have the Hippodrome back open for the Brighton Festival in May 2026.

The refurbished venue in Middle Street, Brighton, will feature a performance space, hotel, shop, bar and members’ club.

The Argus: The restored roof and ceiling inside the HippodromeThe restored roof and ceiling inside the Hippodrome (Image: The Argus)

Simon Lambor said: “We’re very excited at what is a major step forward to getting the building back open. We can now crack on with the works after a year of waiting.

“We will have it back open in 2026 and can’t wait to see it full with new audiences. We’re proud to be playing our part in keeping this incredible building around for generations.

“The old girl hasn’t lost any of her atmosphere in the 20 years of dereliction and is eager to be hosting sold out audiences again.

“A wonderful 88-year-old who is very fond of this venue and has been supportive throughout reminded us of this quote.

“During the last war, when they were discussing in cabinet the closing of venues, with many saying we can’t have large gatherings, they turned to Winston Churchill who, after a pause, said ‘what are we fighting for?’.”

The Argus: Simon Lambor, director of MatsimSimon Lambor, director of Matsim (Image: Supplied)

The main auditorium will be used for musical and theatrical performances, as well as events such as conferences, exhibitions, weddings, film screenings and hosting lectures.

The committee praised Matsim for its "brave move" in saving the Hippodrome and said the work so far was a "labour of love".

The building firm had already ploughed £5 million into saving the auditorium roof which it said was on the verge of collapse.

It had to revise previous planning applications due to concerns including moving the height of the proposal’s apart-hotel building from nine storeys to seven storeys.