The London Hippodrome Redevelopment & Restoration
A planning application for the £8 million restoration and redevelopment of the world famous London Hippodrome in Leicester Square has been submitted to Westminster City Council. The consortium behind the application plans to create a landmark casino and entertainment venue.
A prime location adjacent to London’s Leicester Square has ensured it remained a popular nightspot among large numbers of young club-goers. However, the Hippodrome was closed in October 2005 when Westminster Council decided not to convert the current operator’s liquor license after incidences of violence and disorder had been cited by the Metropolitan Police.
Furthermore, lack of repair or regular maintenance during the past half century has allowed this impressive building to deteriorate. As a Grade II listed building within a Conservation Area, a principal element of the application is therefore the restoration and preservation of the remaining original features, such as the Flemish Renaissance plasterwork and the raked seating in the Upper Gallery (some of which remain hidden above the existing suspended ceiling), friezes, mosaics, cornicing, ornate balustrades and the proscenium arch.