Dudley Hippodrome to be demolished

Dudley Hippodrome was built in 1938

Dudley Hippodrome, which once hosted famous acts including comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, will be demolished.

Bulldozers will move in despite a 35,000-strong petition to save the theatre.

Dudley council said the building would be redeveloped as an open space used for outdoor events and exhibitions "or viable alternatives".

The decision follows the failure of suggested alternatives for reuse of the building.

The Dudley Hippodrome has been empty since 2009.

'Draw a line'

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, which owns the site, planned to demolish the building in 2013 but put plans on hold following the petition to save it, organised by The Friends of Dudley Hippodrome.

Following invitations from the council for proposals to reuse the building, The Friends of Dudley Hippodrome proposed creating a theatre training centre and performance venue.

Comedy act Laurel and Hardy performed at the Dudley Hippodrome in 1947 and 1952

The council said the Friends would need to sell the equivalent of 800 £20 tickets five days a week to run the venue, making it unviable.

Speaking of the decision to demolish the building, Councillor Khurshid Ahmed said: "We have fully explored every suggested alternative use submitted so far, but after giving people every opportunity we need to draw a line under this."

Famous acts

He said the cost of securing the building was "hitting tax-payers in the pocket" and even access was difficult due to "serious asbestos issues".

Built in 1938, the site was a theatre until 1964 when it became a bingo hall.

During its spell as a theatre, the Dudley Hippodrome hosted entertainers including Gracie Fields and George Formby.

Entertainer Gracie Fields performed at Dudley Hippodrome during World War Two