Front Elevation of the planned extension to the Hippodrome. It will make the right hand side of the building symmetrical to the left

Exciting Plans Ahead for the Hippodrome!

We wanted to share the exciting plans for the extension at the Hip. You may be aware that we received a substantial sum from the Town Deal scheme. We’ve now completed the Business Case and the project has been fully approved by the Town Deal Board. The next stage is for the Government to approve the project and we hope to have heard from them by October 2022.

Raise the Roof project update - Come along the to the Hip and find out more

On Saturday 13th May there's a chance to come along and see our plans for extending the Hippodrome. You'll be able to meet members of TAODS and our architects will be there to discuss the plans. It's the last chance to make any suggestions before we submit the plans for planning permission. We're delighted to be using local architect firm Storah's. The project will see us build an extension on the theatre that will replace a 1930's extension to create new public spaces, rehearsal rooms, exhibition space and much more.

Whilst there’ll be a lot of change we’ll also be ensuring that our much loved and beautifully restored auditorium will remain unchanged. The planned works start from the wall between the auditorium and foyer. There will be a period that we have to close the building during the demolition works but we’re going keep any closure period to the shortest period possible. Our intention is to reopen even whilst the extension is being built and our creative team are already looking at how we can stage events and productions during that period so watch out for some exciting updates on that.

Our big challenge now is to apply for the matched funding to ensure that we can complete the project. We're aiming to raise £1million pounds in the next 6 months. This will be through grants, both large and small but also through our own fundraising efforts. We hope that you'll support us where you can and if you would like to make a donation you can get in touch by emailing [email protected] We'll use this page to keep you all updated on our progress as we embark on this exciting project to secure the future of the Hippodrome for the next 100 years.

What will the extension allow us to do?

We’ve still some work to do on the final internal layout but the extension will allow us to:

Create additional performance, event and rehearsal spaces.
Improve accessibility for all to the Hippodrome and our events, including a new lift to all levels of the new extension.
Create a community cinema.
Present a much wider range of events, including daytime events.
Create additional opportunities for volunteers and professional artists.
Contribute to the wider economy by increasing the number of annual visitors.

An initial impression of the internal spaces that will be created by the extension

Whilst there’ll be a lot of change we’ll also be ensuring that our much loved and beautifully restored auditorium will remain unchanged. The planned works start from the wall between the auditorium and foyer. There will be a period that we have to close the building during the demolition works but we’re going keep any closure period to the shortest period possible. Our intention is to reopen even whilst the extension is being built and our creative team are already looking at how we can stage events and productions during that period so watch out for some exciting updates on that…