Birmingham Hippodrome buys neighbouring office block

Birmingham Hippodrome has completed the purchase of a neighbouring 11-storey office block financed by a loan from West Midlands Combined Authority and an investment firm.

The theatre says it hopes to be able to use the building to "grow more work opportunities for the city".

Jon Gilchrist, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, said: "We will be exploring how we can utilise vacant units for use by artists and cultural organisations in the city. We are so proud to be part of Southside and are committed to ensuring it is a fantastic place to work and visit.”

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The investment has been supported by a business loan agreement with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Frontier Development Capital.

Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to step in and help facilitate this acquisition by the Hippodrome – a Birmingham cultural institution.

“In recent years, the West Midlands Combined Authority has played its part as an enabler where possible – supporting and championing our regional arts and cultural sector.

“This vibrant sector brings joy to local people and contributes hugely to our region’s economy.”

Development programme

Meanwhile, Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre Department has launched a development programme for musical theatre writers.

Open to musical theatre artists across the UK, the Musical Theatre Writers Group will offer the opportunity for five writing teams to develop a new musical over the course of 12 months.

Beginning in April 2024, the writing teams will attend monthly sessions led by writer and dramaturg Victoria Saxton and award-winning composer and musical director Tim Sutton, along with guest masterclasses and peer learning.

Each member of the writing teams will receive a bursary of £2,000, along with travel expenses, to attend sessions at Birmingham Hippodrome.