The iconic Golders Green Hippodrome, formerly a BBC concert venue, is back on the market after months of speculation about its sale.
There is some hope that the Grade II-listed building on North End Road will become a fêted cultural hub once more, drawing crowds and high profile performances to north London.
The Hippodrome was built by renowned theatre architect Bertie Crewe in 1913 as a 3,000-seater musical venue.
It has staged performances and live concerts by legends including Danny La Rue and Marlene Dietrich.
It hosted two episodes of the first series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus in October 1969.
Golders Green broadcaster and oral historian Alan Dein believes this is a key opportunity for the Hippodrome to fulfill its potential and become a “significant arts and cultural complex” once again.
Mr Dein described how after the Hippodrome was built in 1913, it “served up an incredible range of pre-and post West End shows, opera, musicals, pantomimes, jazz bands, ballet and even Rock and Roll”.
The venue was then converted into a BBC TV and radio studio and a concert hall in 1969.
Mr Dein added: “The likes of Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ broadcast to the whole nation became part of Golders Green legend!”
The Hippodrome was sold to the evangelical El Shaddai International Christian Centre in 2007.
It has mainly looked quite empty in recent years, with some muted activity from worshippers on a Sunday.
As well as previously being used as a concert venue, the building also has permission for “D1 use”, a category which includes day centres, schools, art galleries, museums, libraries and halls.
The building does not currently have permission to be converted into flats.
Auctioneers Savills suggest, however, that the building has the potential for change of use, subject to planning permission.
According to its brochure, the interior of the Hippodrome is “designed to mimic Roman splendour and comprises an entrance foyer, auditorium with proscenium extended stage and two circles”.
The sale specification notes that the building is in need of refurbishment.
The auction will take place on July 24.
– To arrange a viewing, contact the auctioneers, Savills, on 02078249091.
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