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Historic Derby Theatre Could Become a Game-Changer for Live Music
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By Ryan Moss
- 06 Feb 2025
- 4 min read
Derby’s Hippodrome could be set for a major transformation, with the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) aiming to turn the 121-year-old theatre into a thriving alternative music venue.
Originally opened in 1914, the Grade II-listed Hippodrome has a rich cultural history, having hosted a variety of performances before later serving as a bingo hall. But since closing its doors in 2007, the once-bustling venue has fallen into disrepair. Now, DHBT is determined to bring it back to life, offering a new mid-sized space for live music.
Derek Latham, chairman of DHBT, explained to the BBC: “We want to use it for an alternative music venue. Sort of Derby’s Rock City, if you like.”
The trust said it had been saving buildings for more than 50 years across the county, including 55 railway cottages opposite Derby railway station and the Brunswick Inn pub.
Latham went on to say that “There’s a big history related to Derby’s cultural past, of it being a theatre and a cinema. As the theatre, it had great acts in like Mary Lloyd, Flanagan and Alan, and so on, in between times, it would show a film – you came along for a complete performance. It was very busy.”
He explained that the site was in a “desperate” state, but the trust planned to compulsory purchase the building to reopen it back up in stages and make it viable.
Latham told the BBC: “We’ve been around for over 50 years, we’ve saved over 100 buildings, and there’s no project we’ve taken on that we haven’t completed and restored. The roof’s collapsed, the place is completely derelict, but our vision is to see it restored partially to make it usable.”
Derby City Council has also expressed interest in collaborating on solutions, recognizing the importance of preserving the city’s cultural landmarks. Council leader Nadine Peatfield said to the BBC: “The Hippodrome is a prominent building which has been left to fall into decline. We value the expertise and dedication of Derbyshire Historic Building Trust, and we are supporting them to develop potential solutions to conserve Derby’s historic environment.”
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