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Theatres Trust Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2016 Press Information TAMESIDE HIPPODROME Tameside Hippodrome, Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7SE Total risk value 8: Risk rating: 3. Star rating: 2. Community rating: 3. Significance The 1262-seat Tameside Hippodrome is Ashton-under-Lyne’s only Grade II listed, purpose-built theatre. Its architectural significance illustrates the inter-war fashion of adaption to cinema. It is a rare survival, retaining a wealth of Art Deco features from the 1930s re-fit, including the coving and plasterwork detail in the café and ground floor foyer. The original 1904 stage remains, along with its safety curtain. The four stained glass windows to the first floor have also recently been identified as being from the 1904 building and are based on a design by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The Hippodrome is well placed in the town, in an area proposed for regeneration. The theatre is well equipped and could easily be reopened. With a good business plan it would be viable as a theatre and live music venue. Risk Summary of risk: Ownership/Sale (High), Cost of works (Medium), Building fabric (Medium) The Tameside Hippodrome closed in 2008. A threat of demolition in 2009 was halted by statutory listing, but the building remains vacant. Current situation Tameside Heritage and Arts Trust was set up by local social entrepreneur Keith Dalby-Oldham with the aim to restore and reopen the Hippodrome. It plans to upgrade and refurbish the theatre to its former glory, including a new grid and fly tower, and has received very positive support from both Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (which owns the building and is keen to see it re-open as a live theatre) and the general public. This is a good example of strong community leadership working with a local authority to bring a theatre back to life. The Hippodrome Limited (THL), a Community Interest Company set up by Tameside Heritage and Arts Trust, registered its interest and is currently negotiating with the Council to lease the theatre and run the building. In 2015 THL undertook a survey of the building which highlighted concerns about its continuing deterioration, particularly the roof. In late 2015 the group was successful in applying for the BRICK mentoring programme from The Prince’s Regeneration Trust. THL is currently in negotiations with potential funders for grants to carry out urgent repair works and also to employ an architectural team to look at proposals for a reopened Hippodrome. THL is also in discussions with the Architectural Heritage Fund with regards to its Project Development Grant for funding a full time post for fundraising, and is in the process of launching a new campaign targeting local businesses. Aim To secure the re-opening and long-term sustainable operation of Tameside Hippodrome. Action 2016/17 for Theatres Trust To work with and advise The Hippodrome Limited to help secure the leasehold of the building. © Theatres Trust 10/09/2016 Theatres Trust Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2016 Press Information Further Information Current Freehold Owner: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Local Contact: Keith Dalby-Oldham, The Hippodrome Limited T: 07946 555008 E: [email protected] Local Authority: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council W: tameside.gov.uk T: 01613 424 460 Theatres Trust Theatres Database: ID Number 1055 Theatre at Risk Video: youtube.com/watch?v=CIGXLb5TJK0 Theatres Trust Contact: Kate Carmichael E: [email protected] T: 020 7836 8591 © Theatres Trust 10/09/2016