A local community Crowdfunder has been launched in an attempt to raise vital funds to save the Hulme Hippodrome from future redevelopment.
The Hulme Hippodrome first opened its doors in the Manchester suburb on 7th October 1901.
Originally known as the Grand Junction Theatre and Floral Hall, the Grade II listed building was designed by architect J.J. Alley, built alongside the Hulme Playhouse – with both venues being connected by an arcade – and formed part of the theatrical empire of W. H. Broadhead, with the company’s headquarters also at the centre.
The theatre itself initially staged dramatic productions, while the Hulme Playhouse presenting several variety performances.
But in 1905, the names and functions of the two adjacent theatres were interchanged, meaning that the current Hulme Hippodrome became the Grand Junction, and the variety performances were then transferred to the new Hippodrome.
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The Hulme Hippodrome was last used as a theatre in the 1960s, and from the mid-1970s until its eventual closure in 1988, it was used as a bingo hall.
Since then though, most of the building has remained empty and derelict.
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Coming as a devastating blow to the local community and all those who had spent happy times there over the years, it was thus first placed on Manchester City Council’s Buildings At Risk Register, then was added to the Theatre Trust’s newly-created Theatres At Risk Register in 2006, and in September 2019, was named on the Victorian Society’s list of the top ten most endangered buildings in England and Wales.
The latest “kick in the stomach” arrived today though, as the iconic venue was listed at online auction for a guide price of £950,000+, with residential redevelopment of the site long being rumoured, but campaign group, Save The Hulme Hippodrome, has plans to stop this.
The group is fighting to return the building to use by the people of Hulme.
The campaign group is made up of local residents and supporters who want to see change.
They have a long-term vision for Hulme Hippodrome, and are keen to use the building for a Museum of Manchester Musical Art, a theatre production school, a bike hub, library and bakery, which could all provide opportunities for the people of Hulme to play a part in the next stage of the theatre’s story.
Playing a driving force in the campaign group is Oli Wilson – son of Factory Records founder Tony Wilson – who runs PeaceMeal, a social enterprise bakery and employment academy in the NIAMOS Centre in the co-joined Hulme Playhouse.
“It was just a huge shock to find out it had been put to auction and it only gave us [just over two] weeks to get a response and campaign together,” Oli told The Manc.
“The Hippodrome has played an important role in Manchester’s arts and communities for over 100 years.
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“It could, and should, go on for another 100 years [so] to have this legacy and future potential destroyed, so that a few may turn a profit, would be a gargantuan hit for both people and the arts in Manchester.”
Oli also revealed that, while stable for now, the Playhouse will be put at risk if the Hippodrome continues to deteriorate, but the group’s long-term plan would see the two theatres run as complementary community hubs, and ultimately save this local gem before it’s lost forever.
And then, right when it was needed most, good luck struck for the campaign group as they successfully managed to get the Hippodrome site withdrawn from auction just as it was due to go to sale at midday today.
With over £3,400 already raised, they are aiming to hit £10,000 to pay for initial legal and survey costs, which would be vital first steps in acquiring the building and starting planning for its future as a venue for the community.
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Oli continued: “We’re raising a pot of money to get a proper survey done and a schedule of works for the full renovation, as well as bring a solid business plan together about the future value of the building and how it can run as a business which is an asset to the community.
“The building is structurally fine [but] it just needs some love and TLC.
“We’re also working with Manchester City Council to have it listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’, which would hopefully protect it’s future too”.
The campaign has already started to receive support from several local trusts and initiatives, with Claire Appleby, Architecture Adviser from Theatres Trust – the national charity that campaigns to protect theatres – saying: “Hulme Hippodrome, which is on our Theatres at Risk list, is in grave danger of being damaged beyond repair and it could have been bought by speculative developer, who does not appreciate what a gem this building is.”
And it’s clear to see how much it all means to Mancunians too.
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Paul Baker – spokesperson for the Save The Hulme Hippodrome Campaign – added: “Without urgent action, we are in serious danger of losing the building, along with the cultural memories it holds.
“We urge the people the wider Manchester area to come together and help save this wonderful building.”
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You can find more information about the future of the Hulme Hippodrome, as well as join in and contribute to the last chance fight to transform this iconic venue via the official Crowdfunder here.
All the latest updates can also be found on the Friends of Hulme Hippodrome group here.
#SaveTheHulmeHippodrome
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Pep Guardiola delivers important reminder about multiculturalism after Jim Ratcliffe controversy
Danny Jones
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an important message about the power of multiculturalism in his most recent press conference.
Guardiola’s comments come after the high-profile controversy surrounding his rival club across the city, Man United, whose co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, saw some of his recent remarks fall under major scrutiny.
In case you somehow missed it, the Failsworth-born British billionaire was heavily criticised after claiming he believes the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”.
Fast forward a couple of days, and while the club and the fan base are still dealing with the fallout of the story, Pep acknowledged the debate by reminding people that “embracing other cultures” makes for a “better society”.
Well put, Pep – in fact, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Although he didn’t reference the 74-year-old directly after being probed on the subject by journalists, the Man City boss reiterated that his time spent living and working across the world has only broadened his mind and enriched his life.
That goes for both his professional and personal spheres, by the way, as the Catalan coach has often spoken of his love for English culture and the Manc people, specifically.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup game against local side Salford City, Pep described the attitudes towards immigrants around the world as a “big problem” despite most people simply leaving their country in search of “a better life”.
He also drew attention to the fact that he, like so many others in football – a sporting industry loved the world round by people from all walks of life and that the likes of Ratcliffe directly benefit from – is an immigrant working and contributing to not just the game but the British economy by being here.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have since shared a public statement on their club website and across social media, reiterating to fans and supporters the world over that they are an “inclusive club”.
‘We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride.’
The INEOS chairman, CEO and minority stakeholder in Manchester United Football Club, has since apologised (at least in part) for his “choice of language” following the divisive interview with Sky News.
In a world where plenty of people are quick to pessimism, negativity and turn to division almost by default, Pep’s message is one echoed by so many and is one that we should all keep in mind.
And for anyone who needs a more light-hearted bit of content on their timeline this week, here’s what else Pep said in his pre-match presser…
Pep Guardiola responding to a really intelligent question from a reporter:
‘Do you want to be my assistant coach, fucking hell, you are brilliant…’
Featured Images — Hayters TV (screenshot via YouTube)
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Chester Zoo becomes first UK zoo to gain important international status
Danny Jones
The North West’s beloved Chester Zoo has been awarded a highly coveted global status, being named as the first international botanical garden in the entire UK.
With so many well-deserved awards, accolades and plaudits from within the world of wildlife preservation over the year, it’s no surprise.
A gem in Cheshire and the wider region’s crown, which continues to express its extreme commitment to ecological and environmental causes year in and year out, Chester Zoo is regularly ranked the best in the country and one of the top facilities in all of Europe, and now its worldwide reputation is growing too.
Taking its already sterling CV one further this year, 2026 marks the inaugural year of not only Chester Zoo existing as a recognised international botanical garden, but a big moment for Great Britain’s conservation status in general, as it’s been over 150 years since it last held the status.
Writing on social media in response to the huge honour, they wrote: “We’re officially the FIRST UK zoo recognised as a globally important botanic garden!
“We care for hundreds of rare plants, protect species at risk of extinction, and create beautiful gardens that encourage visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
“Global plant conservation organisation [Botanic Gardens Conservation International] assessed us against 22 criteria before awarding us Conservation Practitioner status – a recognition that now lets us do even more to protect native wildlife alongside our incredible conservation partners!”
Incredible stuff.
They signed off by adding that their efforts are “all made possible by YOU”, with 2025 marking an all-around groundbreaking year for the venue, as a total of 2,136,224 visitors came through the gates to surpass their previous record tally back in 2019 (2,086,785).
BGCI’s awarding of Conservation Practitioner is yet more proof of just how much work Chester Zoo does throughout the annual calendar, not least of all the incredible fundraising they do via various activations like their hugely successful charity run.
They signed off by adding that their efforts are “all made possible by YOU”, with 2025 marking an all-around groundbreaking year for the venue, as a total of 2,136,224 individuals came through the gates to surpass their previous record tally back in 2019 (2,086,785).
Speaking directly on the watershed moment, the zoo’s head of plants, Philip Esseen, said in an official press release: “This recognition shows that our plant work has real conservation value.
“We’re caring for species that are threatened with extinction in the wild, and that carries a responsibility to protect them, propagate them and share our expertise with others.
“The accreditation will help us work more closely with other horticultural and conservation organisations and increase the amount of conservation work we can do, particularly to support native species.”
Congratulations once again to Chester Zoo on such a significant achievement, and with around 10k people visiting each day – be that staff, field-expert guests or visitors – the proof is in the pudding: it really is the best in Britain doing some of the most vital work possible.
The UK has lost half of it's hedgehogs in the last 20 years, so here's 3 simple things you can do to make your garden a hedgehog haven 👇
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