Council boss dismisses bid to save Dudley Hippodrome

The Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group had submitted its proposal to takeover the 1930s theatre from the council earlier this year.

Members claimed they could make almost £2,000 profit a day from the venue, which was last operated as a Gala Bingo.

But council leader Councillor Pete Lowe, who took over from Councillor Sparks last month, said: "The Hippodrome is about finding something which is viable.

"I would like nothing better than for the hippodrome to be run in profit.

but i cannot see from any of the information I have that it is viable."

Asked about the friends group proposal, he said: "It doesn't stand up."

He revealed a proposal by entertainment company ROK Group to open the venue had also hit problems.

It has been sent back to the group for clarification.

Councillor Lowe said he was keen to open a meeting with the friends group in the New Year.

He said: "Is it a question of bricks and mortar or is a question with regard to what is offered?

"Because if it is a question of providing art space for amateur dramatic groups then that is something which we can address.

"So if it is about keeping spirit of hippodrome alive then that discussion we would encourage."

He added: "I am interested in the arts and nothing would give me greater satisfaction than going to the Hippodrome and seeing a live event in a thriving auditorium, unfortunately i cannot see how that would happen without significant subsidy from the authority because we are yet to see a plan which allows to see it stand on its own two feet."