An eleventh-hour business plan by the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome has been rejected on the grounds that it was “unviable”. 

Plans to save the Dudley Hippodrome from demolition and return it to its former glory have been rejected by the council.

Bosses said the 'Friends of Dudley Hippodrome's' latest plan for a "high quality, affordable entertainment venue with state-of-the-art disabled access" was unviable.The rejection follows advice from independent consultants, who found the proposal lacked detail on market analysis, funding plans and operational issues such as staffing levels.

However there is still a glimmer of hope as council bosses have given the group until the end of February to address any shortcomings and vowed to “leave the door open” on any future alternatives while at the same time continuing with plans to bulldoze the crumbling building.

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of the council, told the Dudley News that: “Following advice from specialist independent consultants the business plan submitted to us is unviable.

"We will be continuing with our proposals for this site, however, we will also be continuing discussions with community leaders and interested parties over possible alternatives for the site.

“It is important that this moves towards a conclusion so I am asking the Friends group to see if they can address the shortcomings raised in their business plan by the end of February.

"However, I will continue to be proactive in this area and already have dates in my diary to speak to people about the future of the building.”

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, added: “We are now working on a detailed planning application for the site which will include demolishing it and replacing it with a modern public exhibition and events open space.