Image from Save Our Hippodrome Facebook page 

Developers of an old theatre in Brighton that was going to be turned into a multiplex cinema have pulled out, throwing the plans into jeopardy.

People in the South-East city are celebrating, as a long campaign to stop the cinema plans at the Brighton Hippodrome has been taking place.

The ‘Save Our Hippodrome’ and ‘Our Brighton Hippodrome’ campaigners instead want the Grade II* listed building to be restored into a theatre.

Paul Zenon, from the group, said: “According to the statement, the landlord is not proceeding with the development.

“Hopefully because of the campaign and strength of feeling the public have had towards the group, the council will look at the theatre plans more sympathetically in the future.”

Planning permission had been granted for a eight screen multiplex and restaurant complex, with Vue Cinemas in place to develop the site.

However, Kevin Styles, Vue Managing Director in the UK and Ireland said in a statement:  “We would like to confirm the new landlord is not proceeding with the redevelopment and therefore Vue will not be putting a cinema in the Brighton Hippodrome.”

Campaigners now hope the theatre plans can move forward.

Tony Jaffe, the Chair of Our Brighton Hippodrome campaign, said: “It’s a game changer, it reopens the whole issue.

“Except that a lot of time has gone by and people have been worried about the condition of the building, we are back to square one.

“We want to work as quickly as possible – it’s in the best interest of everybody involved.”

This news follows demonstrations outside of the building attended by celebrities, members of the public and local Brighton politicians, including Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas.

Founder of punk band The Dammed, and Brighton resident, Captain Sensible is also a supporter of the campaign.

More details on the campaign can be seen here.