The Hippodrome

Hippodrome & THI

Introduction

The Hippodrome should be utilised to the fullest extent to ensure both the success of local business and the THI project which itself seeks to address the past long-term decline in specific and general activity within the town centre.
Bo'ness means Business (BmB) is the local business group whose members include many of the town centre retail outlets and businesses directly affected by the THI (Townscape Heritage Initiative).
It is their views and interests, which this document attempts to address by identifying options, which would attract an increased footfall to the town, be they local residents or visitors.
From a wider perspective a successful, vibrant and thriving town centre will benefit not only town centre businesses but businesses in general throughout Bo'ness.

Background

History

Given recent coverage both in the local press and elsewhere the history of the Hippodrome is fairly well documented. The Hippodrome Cinema, designed by Mathew Steele and owned by Louis Dickson the Hippodrome Theatre was opened in 1911 and is probably the first custom built cinema in Scotland perhaps the UK. Architect John Taylor added the ticket office later, in 1926. The Hippodrome Cinema, Bo'ness: The Hippodrome Cinema, Bo'ness is to be renovated and brought back into use as a cinema under the THI (Townscape Heritage Initiative).
Its importance both in historical and architectural terms cannot be overstated and the proposals included in the THI is to be welcomed and regarded by many as 'not before time'. There has been some activity in the past with regard to possible uses but the overriding criteria of 'sustainable' use has always been the stumbling block to progress.

Future

Its importance for the success of both the THI and future developments both in the town centre and on the foreshore also cannot be underestimated. It is an iconic building and recognised as a symbol of Bo'ness and its location in the centre of the town gives it a special significance for residents.
As a marketing tool for future development if provides an unique building with an unique history with the opportunity of being promoted and marketing in a variety of ways to various market segments with different and diverse interests.
It is the opinion of Bo'ness means Business that the success of the THI is intrinsically tied to the successful operation of the The Hippodrome.

Uses for Hippodrome

At a recent meeting of BmB the Hippodrome project and proposals were discussed and a number of uses highlighted which could help to ensure both its use and success. As outlined above there has always been an issue with sustainable use.
With recent announcements by Falkirk Council and with them taking administrative ownership it is clear that a level of subsidy will be needed to maintain the facility. It is believed, however, that if as many differing types of uses can be supported its dependence on external funding could be kept to an acceptable level. The following list could be considered as future possible uses:-

• Tourist Information Centre
• Museum Facility
• Digital Media Centre
• Cinema/Children's Matinee Performances
• Craft Fair/Market
• Function Hall
• Conference Centre
• Group Functions

The above, although not exhaustive, are just a few possible uses. It is acknowledged that some may not be fully actionable and are dependent on other facilities, which may or may not be available.

Proposed/Possible Uses

Tourist Information Centre

There has been recent proposals to 'move it or lose it' in relation to the present location of the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at Seaview Place. There is the option to move it to the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS) and although it appears a logical location, given visitor numbers, it is not considered by this group to be the 'ideal' location.
The Hippodrome is the more logical site for the town's TIC for a number of reasons:-

1. Its central location in the heart of the town
2. Its historical importance
3. Its architectural heritage
4. Its 'A' listed building status
5. Its highly visible pre-art deco frontage
6. The expectation that it would be open all year round

BmB accepts that renovation and upgrading of the Hippodrome will not happen in the immediate future and may be some years before fully operational for any use but an acceptance of the possible transfer of the TIC to the Hippodrome would be a welcome outcome.
An initial move to SRPS in the short term would be an acceptable stopgap measure.

Museum facilities

Recent reports in the press have identified the Hippodrome as a possible location for some form of museum function. BmB believes that such a use, in conjunction with existing facilities such as Kinneil Museum, further supports the proposal of transfer of the TIC to the Hippodrome, which would function as the central focus for all local attractions including SRPS.
With proper road management and appropriate signage it would be any visitors 'firsts stop'.

Digital Media Centre

Its use as the above has in some respects already been identified and highlighted in the report in Bo'ness Journal, 17 February, when it reported that discussions with Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen about the concept had been opened.

In conjunction with some form of museum function, its cinematic heritage and through extending the concept to include an educational context could further provide a possible income stream and contribute to the idea of 'sustainable' use.

Cinema/Children's Matinee

As the focus of this document is the town centre one of the drivers is an increase in footfall. An opportunity exists to extend the cinema function to include special children's matinees, which was a feature of many, a Saturday morning experience for children in past years.
This would not only offer another 'sustainable' use and income stream but would encourage many parents to visit the town, not only from Bo'ness but also from outlying areas, during the hours of the performances.
Children would enjoy the opportunity of special performances for them, in particular, and it would give parents the time to shop locally or enjoy refreshment in local facilities.

Crèche

A natural extension of the above idea is that of a crèche or more accurately a 'shoppers crèche', which could offer short time, based facility of 1/2/3 hours. Such a facility would provide a welcome opportunity for parents to take some 'time off' and again shop locally without continually watching over children.

It is not envisaged that Falkirk Council would provide these services but that they could manage the operation in conjunction with existing local child care facilities and act as an extension to the services they provide.

Craft Fair/Market

Given the space restriction of the main area small specialist fair/markets could use the space on a regular weekly or monthly basis Saturday/Sunday/Wednesday) such as happens in other areas albeit, in this case, in a covered space.
It could be possible to utilise the immediate external and adjacent space for appropriate occasions at suitable periods during the year.

Conference/Function Centre

With the possibility of a Digital Media Centre function the space (seating of approx 130) could offer an ideal facility, backed-up with state-of-the-art media support, for small corporate conference or other presentation requirements.
As an area it could also serve as a location for other small functions such as wedding reception/parties etc. Even if the building itself is not to have extensive or indeed any kitchen facilities this again offers the opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of a possible market opportunity.

Group Functions

There are a number of groups within Bo'ness who all have the need for access to meeting and office facilities from time to time. Depending on the eventual internal configuration and availability of rooms the Hippodrome space could be utilised for the benefit of these groups and in turn of benefit to the wider public of Bo'ness.

Conclusion

The objective of this document has been to show support for the THI proposals and offer some options to possible uses for the Hippodrome which would enhance and encourage its use in the community and which could contribute to its long-term success as a focus within Bo'ness.
Some of the options outlined may or may not be all practical for reasons of facilities available, supporting funding or desirability but it is believed that with some vision, commitment and in partnership with both local business and the wider community it is not beyond the means of those involved to 'make it' a success.
Report prepared by R Willox, Chairman on behalf of Bo'ness means Business.

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 20/03/2006 - 12:52pm.