New photos show work continuing on historic Dudley Hippodrome site
Most of the front wall and roof have been removed from the historic Dudley Hippodrome as demolition continues.
The work is making way for a new £25 million university campus which is expected to begin in early 2024.
Although the disused Castle Hill theatre has not hosted live entertainment since 1974, or been used at all since 2009, there have been disputes over its survival.
David Homer of the Dudley Hippodrome Development Trust accused the council of 'bullying' their way through with the plans to demolish the historic building which has stood since 1938 and once hosted music hall and film stars including Laurel and Hardy.
The demolition of the 85-year-old building is now well under way and it is expected to be fully transformed by September 2025.
Worcester University will run a nursing college from the site and provide university-level courses for the health sector.
The project is being spearheaded by Dudley Council, one of the members of the Dudley Towns Fund Board which was successful in bidding for £25 million from the Government’s £178.7m Towns Fund.
Starting last month, the building is being deconstructed piece-by-piece, and is expected to be fully demolished within four months.
Dudley Council leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, said the new university facility would benefit people in the borough and beyond for years to come.
"This is the final significant stage in the demolition process. Once the frontage is down we will really begin to see a difference to the Dudley skyline and be able to visualise the new university building which will take its place," he said.
"This is an exciting stage of the project and an exciting time for Dudley as we move from the past to a brand new future."
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.