Urgent repairs on theatre begin

A large part of the building has already collapsed

Urgent repair work has started at a partially-demolished theatre in Derby city centre.

Derby City Council is carrying out the work on the disused Grade II listed Derby Hippodrome.

The council gave notice to the theatre owner, Christopher Anthony, that he would have to foot the bill for the £5,000 cost of repairs.

The repairs include preserving the Green Lane elevation and the remaining roof structure.

The building was the centre of a controversy after its roof was partly ripped down.

Essential work

In March, repair work by the owner caused a large part of the roof and an external wall to collapse.

The High Court then ordered building work to be halted.

The venue, which dates from the early 20th Century, has stood empty for some months.

Councillor Lucy Care, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, said: "At present the priority is to make sure the building is less vulnerable through the winter months.

"This is not the commencement of major works, it is works that we feel are urgently needed to help sustain the building through the winter."

Temporary traffic lights have been set up on Green Lane while the work is carried out.