Video of gold ceiling at Brighton's Hippodrome

Following the fitting of a new roof, intricate work is being carried out around the large skylight at the top of the building.

The circle has been painted sky blue, which complements the new gold features.

The building in Middle Street was bought by the Matsim Group in October 2020, which quickly set to work in bringing the venue back to life.

Even the tiny dressing room which once hosted The Rolling Stones before they played in the 1960s is being restored in line with the now famous photo of the group together in the space.

As part of the grand reopening plans, Matsim is applying for an alcohol licence for the venue – which it held from 1898 until its closure in 2006.

In its licence application, Matsim said: “The long inactive frontage of the vacant building has resulted in crime levels increasing in this 'dead' part of town that has little activity and low public surveillance.

“The reinvigoration of the building will lead to far higher footfall and public surveillance of the streets that will deter crime, graffiti and littering in the immediate area.”

Matsim intends for the space to be multipurpose – hosting live music events, cabaret shows and comedy nights – but during the day it hopes to draw people in to see the incredible space, steeped in history, and offer lunches.

The detailing in the Hippodrome

Brighton and Hove lacks mid-size, city-centre venues – which the Hippodrome hopes to solve with its 1,500-person capacity.

The nearby Brighton Dome does, however, have a capacity of up to 1,700.

“The high class offering of the complementary uses on the site will drive a new demographic to this part of town,” Matsim said in its plans.

“The demand for custom will not only be local but of a national draw. In particular, the quality of performance and accompanying hospitality that will be enabled here will drive national tourism that will see significant footfall coming straight from Brighton Station down Queen's Road and West Street.

An aerial view of the Hippodrome's new roof

“We feel the economic impact of this footfall will drive a better offering all the way down this important thoroughfare that, along with other developments happening locally, will enhance the atmosphere of West Street that has historically had an antisocial reputation.”