The owners of the Brighton Hippodrome say work to restore the historic theatre is now moving forward, with a target reopening in 2027.
The Grade II* listed building, which has been closed since 2006, is being brought back to life following years of deterioration. Since purchasing the site, the owners have already invested over £5 million on essential repairs including a new roof, making the building watertight, tackling dry rot, and stabilising the structure.
Full planning permission has now been granted for the wider redevelopment. The plans include:
Restoring the main auditorium as a flexible performance and events venue for theatre, music, exhibitions and conferences.
Careful restoration of the ornate plasterwork and historic interior.
A new apart-hotel with around 60 rooms at the rear of the site to help fund the project.
Conversion of adjacent buildings into hospitality and private members’ club spaces.
Additional rehearsal and studio spaces within parts of the theatre.
The next stage of work will see specialist contractors continuing restoration inside the auditorium, including ceiling repairs and decorative plaster restoration. A new modern steel roof structure will also be installed above the historic ceiling to allow for updated sound, lighting, and heating systems suitable for modern performances.
The total investment in the project is expected to exceed £25 million, combining funding from the owners and the venue’s future operators.
The owners say their goal is to preserve one of Brighton’s most important cultural landmarks while creating a venue that can operate sustainably for decades to come. If all continues on schedule, Brighton could see the Hippodrome reopen its doors to the public once again in 2027.
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