Inspection to decide theatre fate

The building had been unused for some months

A High Court judge has ordered a building inspector to decide whether a derelict theatre should be demolished.

Derby City Council had asked the court to stop the Hippodrome's owner from clearing the Grade II structure after part of it collapsed.

The council told the court the venue should be saved, while the owner's representatives said it was unsafe.

Mr Justice Pitchford ruled an independent inspector should decide the matter by 21 April.

The theatre had become a bingo hall before finally closing some months ago.

Temporary agreement

The structure deteriorated and businessman Christopher Anthony was ordered to carry out repairs, although the precise nature of these is disputed.

It was during this work that the roof of the auditorium and part of an external wall collapsed.

The council claimed in court that Mr Anthony had always wanted to demolish the theatre since buying it last April.

Mr Anthony denied damaging it on purpose and said he had kept the council informed of all his actions.

He agreed to maintain the building in its current condition until the inspector reaches a decision.