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Grade II*-listed, 1901, Frank Matcham
Brighton Hippodrome was adapted from a former ice rink in 1897, to designs by the Frank Matcham, who specialised in the design of theatres and music halls. The building is noted as the finest surviving example of a circus theatre in England, and much of Matcham’s original work remains. The exteriors are distinguished by their unusual architectural massing, distributed across three three-storey towers, but the interiors in particular are noted for communicating what Historic England describes as Matcham’s ‘hallmark decorative richness’. A small sample of the features to survive into the twenty-first century include a proscenium arch with Rococo mouldings, two Indo-Saracenic onion domes, and an unusual ceiling in the form of a panelled tent. There is abundant architectural interest, but regardless, the theatre closed in 1897, and since then there have been various proposals for its redevelopment, one of which, in 2015, involved the partial demolition of the building. The Hippodrome is currently vacant and deteriorating, and repairs are urgent required: these should be undertaken soon to prevent further deterioration until a viable and sympathetic new use can be found.
Griff Rhys Jones, Victorian Society President, said: ‘Brighton is a thriving city with a vibrant culture. If anywhere can support such a unique venue it is Brighton. In Blackpool, the restored winter gardens are being used to revive the town’s fortunes. With staycations likely to increase in popularity and Brighton’s easy access to London, surely Matsim Properties can develop a plan which makes sensitive use of this building? What is clear is that losing many more years with nothing happening risks any of the building surviving.’
Status Update / March 2026
A proposal to introduce a second roof structure above the internal dome was awarded planning consent in 2023 on the understanding that it would reduce the ingress of water into the building and prevent further deterioration of the historic fabric. These works have since been completed and plans for a comprehensive redevelopment have been approved for planning by the local council. The masterplan for the site is a mixed-use development incorporating a performance space, hotel, bar, shop, and members’ club.