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Name change hope for Dudley Hippodrome

Campaigners are encouraging the whole Black Country to get behind the fight to save Dudley Hippodrome - with plans to potentially re-name the venue.

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They have tabled plans to called the historic theatre The Black Country Hippodrome if they succeed in securing its future.

Plans have yet to be finalised but campaigners want people to see the Castle Hill landmark as a Black Country attraction.

Further talks have been held between the campaigners and Dudley Council two weeks ago after it emerged a proposal to save the theatre 'lacks critical information'.

The Friends of Dudley Hippodrome had worked with a new group which had come forward featuring industry experts.

A business plan submitted at the end of last year was deemed 'extremely unrealistic' according to independent assessors.

Revised plans were submitted to the council at the end of last month in a bid to address some of the concerns raised.

And the name change is among the ideas they have dreamt up to try and bolster its bid not only in Dudley but the wider Black Country.

Friends group chairman Gordon Downing said the venue would be known as Dudley Hippodrome initially but this could change to help bring in revenue.

"I think this had been a put that was first raised by The Rok group when it was looking at the plans," he said.

"There could be the opportunity to discuss naming rights with a company.

"The name Black Country Hippodrome was put forward in a way to get it more well known in a wider area.

"We had further talks with the council and assessor. We are looking at things we can do differently."

Campaigner Dave Mundon, who worked with the group on the idea, said: "My personal view is it would help put the Black Country on the market more so there would be another attraction along with the zoo and Black Country Living Museum.

"Soon we are going to loose our identity when we become a combined authority."

Dudley Council says it has been prepared to hold more talks with the group but will continue to pursue plans to demolish the venue.

The council paid £750 to assessors FGM Consulting to carry out analysis of a business plan compiled by the steering group submitted at the end of last year.

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