“This must the longest running debate over basically what can only be described as derelict building. Yes once upon a time it may have been a marvellous theatre but it is not one now. When are folk going to stop living in the past? We cannot afford to keep every relic from the past at the expense of allowing us to live our lives now in the present. What people forget is that what is here and now in the 21st century may well be a relic in the future. If we carry on like some folk want; where is it that 2010 be placed in history. Future generations to come when they study historical architecture of 2010 (as it will be to them; say in 200 years time), even if it is a car park. In fact a 'car park' as a building in 200 years time when studied will provide a basis for lots of interesting questions. A few example questions - it will inform a class of pupils in a 200 years¿ time about architectural influences, designs, technology, what raw materials there were, types of vehicles, the way of life in the 2010, what was the purpose of a building like a car park - did people live far away from their work places, shops (so needed to travel). Come on let¿s move forwards and deal with our needs now.
There is enough culture, heritage and history around us from the past already. It seems like we are hoarding items we don't really have a need for now. I would like to point out if the Hippodrome Theatre means so much - WHY DID THE COUNCIL LET IT GET RUN DOWN AND NOT INVEST IN ITS UP KEEP? I will tell you why - because even the council did not think it was a viable investment of public money.
Furthermore I would like to point out how much public money has already been spent on planning meetings, survey etc? That money could have been used on other more important public services. Derby City Council wake up and smell the coffee; the building is a health and safety hazard, an ¿eye sore¿ (rubble); it doesn¿t actually project the image of a vibrant and happening city!”

“Just wondered what the latest news might be- am keeping an eye out on DET?
Thankyou- Jo.”

“What were Christopher Anthony's intentions for this theatre?

Read theTeledgraph's front page story of January 7th 2008 HIPPODROME FACES BULLDOZERS.
The Telegraph states quire clearly in the sub head of this story "The new owner of the Hippodrome has applied to demolish the historic grade 2 listed building"
I will let you decide what the owner meant by this.”

“Craig
Brilliant comment!
How refreshing to hear from someone who will be most affected by these plans - in more ways than one!
The majority of people in Derby would support your views - well said!”

“There are some excellent comments from Joanne, Geoff, Joanne, Lou, Shakeel and some others who really do understand what is happening here, However I think Dan from the USA hit the old nail right on the head when he asks us to look at the bigger picture. This farce will reflect on the Derby's listed building policy and, if the owner gets his way, will send the message out to all rogue developers that you can come here and do as you please with our heritage and listed building.

Incidentally the Hippodrome was never deserted by the theatre going public as it was used as a bingo hall. The supporters of theatre had been trying to take ownership of the Hippodrome for many years but the bingo hall company would not let it go.
The last attempt to buy it and use it as a theatre gained conditional planning permission but this was scotched by the current owner.”

“I'm sorry but i have to jump in again, just like all the debates before, the people who are praising the idea of a carpark are plain idiotic.

Want to know why? because no-one parks in the bloody carpark as it stands now, yet alone if they make another!.

Why? because it cost more than the council carparks so don't expect people to be willing to pay extra because they won't

Also i live across from the hippodrome as it stands i have seen people going inside and stealing whatever they can from the building, and they were the same people that were hanging around on the day of it's demolition strange huh? they know what they are doing, leave it as long as possible hope it becomes damaged beyond repair then claim to the council it's for their benefit, what about the residents?

I don't want someone building a house onto mine. I also don't want some concrete eyesore staring in my face when i look outside, fair play the hippo looks a state, but i personally think if it was restored into a building for theatre and music it would hit off, instead of that shambles called the quad, we should have a nice theatre again, and as for the people claiming we made it go bust, that's false the reason it went bust was because the bingo company that owned it didn't get enough business, mainly because it only appealed to people who play bingo, as a theatre in it's hayday a lot of big stars performed there, my grandparents tole me of the shows they went to see most of them being sold-out!

Now being an actor/musician myself i can see great things for this area of town, a lot of business on green lane is going down because people don't want to venture outside of the westfield, *why i have no idea as it's rubbish*

They could make the hippo back to how it was with a couple of coffee shops and a nice restaurant, anyone remember SOUL??? another business that was far better than most of those toffynosed places in town that want to charge £4 for a sandwich..

Bring back derby's heritage as no-one appreciates tis modern crap anyway, been in the quad recently? AWFUL!! westfield?? AWFUL!!

Sorry but this has to be said, mr anthony is a clever man he works like a rat in the sewer he bits at the ankles of the higher heads and promises it's for their good yet it's for his back pocket, and for those who like the idea of a car park? well have fun navigating the one way system then at 8.00 in the morning, oh and don't mind the taxi ranks and the pedestrians who wander all over the road like it never existed, people who like the idea have never driven on green lane, if they had you would know what a nightmare it is.

Support your town, not some businessmans pocket, i'm not saying there isnt room for improvement but the foundations should stay the same, restoration and update of the surrounding areas.”

“Great debate, but your comments will be wiped out tommorrow when another main topic comes to light, then off you'll go again, I like what has been written here, be it a little personal, but why has no one registered a complaint to DCC and Mr Anthony after all this is where your anger, frustration and comments need to be addressed, not on a news paper website, to me it sounds just like, "lets save the Playhouse" where were the people to support that???

Stop bickering among yourselves where nothing will get done ,but make a stand for the place you live, or move out...”

“What an argument, Geoff. You must be right! How foolish of me not to have seen your point, it was there all along: "It would seem that you can." (Rolls eyes) Errrrm. No. Not changed my mind.”

“You could still preserve some of the old building and turn it into affordable housing. We don't need any more car parking in that area. There are at least 4 car parks around there.”

“Hey what a great blog page, it has kept me amused all day. Thanks.”