Statement from DHBT on the Demolition of Derby Hippodrome - 18.5.25

Statement from Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust on the Demolition of the Derby Hippodrome

It is with deep sadness that the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) learned on Sunday of the demolition of the Derby Hippodrome, following the devastating fire on Friday.

This marks the final chapter in a long and troubled history that has ultimately led to the loss of a building of significant historic and architectural value — one that had been recognised on Derby’s local list of heritage assets.

At DHBT, we believe that there is no such thing as a problem building, only a problem owner. In the case of the Hippodrome, its decline began nearly two decades ago when a previous owner, under the guise of repair works, attempted to remove the roof using a crane — an action that predictably led to the collapse of the roof and part of the external wall.

Fortunately, Derby City Council intervened with enforcement action, successfully defending its position when the owner appealed. This may have contributed to the owner's bankruptcy. Control of the property then passed to a foreign finance company, which proceeded to do nothing to secure or repair the building.

The Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust (DHRT) was established to campaign for the building’s restoration as a touring theatre. Despite persistent efforts, the owner showed no willingness to engage, and the city council was not in a position to pursue a compulsory purchase to bring the building back into use.

By 2018, it had become evident that a new variety theatre was no longer financially viable — despite the ongoing closure of the Assembly Rooms. DHBT therefore stepped in, exploring alternative uses that could give the Hippodrome a sustainable future.

A market appraisal, funded by the Theatres Trust, highlighted the absence of a medium-sized alternative music venue in Derby. The Hippodrome, it concluded, could potentially fill this gap. Further consultations reinforced this finding.

However, the owner continued to neglect the building, failing even to carry out basic works to make it safe. With the support of Historic England, DHBT requested that the city council serve an Urgent Works Notice, while we developed proposals to acquire and restore the building as a music venue, again supported by the Theatres Trust.

We believe those responsible for the building’s neglect should be held accountable — both for the irreversible loss of a heritage asset and the public costs incurred in making the site safe. Furthermore, no party should be allowed to profit from the clearance of the site, should it now increase in value as a potential development opportunity.

If this outcome is allowed to stand without challenge, it sends a dangerous signal — that any historic building left to decay might eventually be cleared with impunity. Derby, and other cities across the UK, cannot afford such a precedent.