Brighton Hippodrome work under way after planning approval

Plasterers have moved on to site of the old theatre in Middle Street, Brighton, to push ahead with work to the ceiling. 

With the Grade II* listed building now watertight, the ceiling restoration will move down from the central dome and towards the lower floors which will become a bar, hotel, shop and members' club.

A completed restoration of a ceiling beam (Image: Brighton Hippodrome)

It comes just days after planning permission was unanimously granted on April 3 to renovate, restore, partially demolish and extend the dilapidated former performance space.

Michael Arney, director of Artisan Plastercraft which is working on the site, said: “We are thrilled to be back on site so quickly and pushing ahead with the important work to restore this historic building.

The scaffolding required for the top "oculus" and upper area now removed, the full extent of the decorated plasterwork in the main hall is on show for the first time after more than £5 million worth of work.

"Our current work is focused on the gallery areas that are above the uppermost seating of the main auditorium," said Michael.

"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 centre of the Hippodrome ceiling (Image: Brighton Hippodrome)

Building owner Matsim Properties has already spent more than £5 million replacing the roof since the building was bought in 2020.

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.

Matsim director Simon Lambor 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."

The restored plaster ceiling at the Hippodrome (Image: Brighton Hippodrome)

At the very top of the theatre, in the fly tower, hotel rooms will be up for grabs with a rehearsal space just below.

There will also be a rooftop bar and roof terrace.

The ground floor lobby of the auditorium will be converted to a bar restaurant opening on to Middle Street and catering for around 100 diners indoors and outside.

Councillor Liz Loughran, chairwoman of the city council's planning committee, said: “The Hippodrome theatre is a superb historic building that has been shut for too long.

“The scheme that councillors have approved today will protect and restore its historic features and bring the Hippodrome back into use as another entertainment venue for the city.

“The developers will be bringing forward the restoration and I’m delighted that the committee has given their plans the green light.”  

The Hippodrome is set to open to the public by May 2026, in time for the Brighton Festival.