A Grand Return to the Hippodrome
Darlington Hippodrome stands as a landmark of Edwardian theatre architecture, renewed for the 21st century. A multi-million-pound restoration preserves its ornate façade and auditorium while opening new spaces for performance, education and community use.
Overview
Opened in 1907 as the New Hippodrome & Palace Theatre, the building had become known as the Darlington Civic Theatre by the early 21st century. Decades of limited investment had left it with cramped foyers, outdated bars, and inadequate facilities, resulting in declining audiences. In response, Darlington Borough Council commissioned SPACE Architects to lead a comprehensive refurbishment, remodeling and extension of the Grade II* listed theatre. The project retained the theatre’s distinctive red‑brick exterior and decorative auditorium while adding new entrances, a glazed foyer, galleries, and technical spaces. A new two‑storey extension houses education and heritage resources, and the adjoining Hullaballoo children’s theatre provides dedicated spaces for young performers and families.
- Year 2017
- Location Darlington
- Client Darlington Borough Council
- Project Sectors Culture & Heritage
Design Approach
The restoration struck a balance between conservation and contemporary interventions. Externally, original brickwork, terracotta detailing, and stained glass were cleaned and repaired. Internally, the auditorium’s carved plasterwork and rich finishes were carefully restored. New foyer spaces and bars were inserted behind the historic façade, separated by glazed screens to maintain views of the original walls. Level access routes and lifts provide step‑free circulation to all floors and backstage areas. Backstage, modern technical facilities, loading docks, and dressing rooms accommodate larger touring productions. The extension’s brick and glass palette is sympathetic yet distinct, signalling the evolution of the theatre while respecting its heritage. The design also incorporated new rehearsal rooms, education studios, and exhibition galleries that open onto public areas, encouraging visitors to engage with the theatre’s history as well as its performances.
Result
Since reopening under its historic name in November 2017, the Darlington Hippodrome has flourished. The theatre now operates daily rather than solely around performance times, offering inviting social spaces such as the Hippo Lounge and a year‑round programme of fixed and visiting exhibitions. The auditorium and stage improvements have increased capacity and allowed the venue to attract larger touring shows; sell‑out performances have become commonplace. Community groups hire a variety of spaces for events and meetings, and collaborations with the Northern School of Art and the Morrison Trust support emerging artists and local projects. In recognition of its impact, the project received a commendation at the 2023 Hadrian Awards, which celebrate buildings that have positively matured in use.
People
The building buzzes daily with activityThe Hippodrome’s revival is as much about people as it is about bricks and mortar. The inclusive design ensures step‑free access throughout, making every part of the building available to all. Staff numbers have grown with the introduction of new roles across technical, marketing, front-of-house, cleaning, and catering departments. Meanwhile, bars and cafés champion local suppliers, from Banktop Bakery's scones to Railtown coffee and Durham and Quaker gins. The building buzzes daily with activity: technicians rigging lights, parents meeting over coffee in interactive play zones, and volunteers curating exhibitions in the heritage galleries.
Local women Bev and Mags, members of the cleaning team, take pride in keeping the theatre pristine, remarking on the friendly atmosphere and how happy people are to work there.
Planet
Respecting both history and the environmentBy restoring an existing building rather than replacing it, the project conserved the embodied energy of the Grade II* structure and avoided the carbon cost of demolition. The upgrade improved thermal performance through discreet insulation and draught‑proofing measures, while new mechanical and electrical systems reduce energy consumption and improve comfort. Water-saving fixtures and energy‑efficient lighting were installed throughout. The reuse of original materials and careful sourcing of new ones minimise environmental impact, and the daily operation emphasises local supply chains for food and drink. These measures align heritage conservation with sustainable practice, demonstrating how regeneration can respect both history and the environment.
Place
Celebrating Darlington's past while investing in its futureDarlington Hippodrome anchors the town’s cultural centre. The restoration has returned a once-faded landmark to its former prominence. Its brick towers and canopies now glow warmly over Parkgate, drawing residents and visitors alike. The theatre’s mix of heritage and contemporary design reflects Darlington’s broader ambition to celebrate its past while investing in its future. As a result, the Hippodrome has become a symbol of pride and a catalyst for further arts and culture initiatives across the town.
Mike Crawshaw, the council’s Head of Culture and Heritage, describes his favourite moment as the anticipation before a show, the palpable excitement as audiences gather, front‑of‑house staff welcome attendees, and performers prepare behind the scenes. He notes that the theatre still looks as fresh and smart as it did on reopening day, thanks to the care of staff and the affection of the community.
Credits
- Project Lead David Coundon
- SPACE Team Carina Gebhard, David Coundon, Gary Jones, Grant Bramwell, Phil Lloyd
- Photography Elliot Harris, Kristen McCluskie
