Ashton Empire Hippodrome, 40, Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne (2026)

A not-for-profit charitable company, limited by guarantee, established to repair refurbish and re-open the Grade II listed former Tameside Hippodrome as a No1 receiving and producing theatre for use by professionals and by the community.

31/05/2026

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news from within our own leadership team.

Heather Nicholson FIWFM, one of our Board members, has been appointed Regional Facilities Manager for Legends Global (Europe). In her new role, Heather will oversee two of Manchester’s landmark venues — the AO Arena and The Bridgewater Hall— a portfolio that reflects both her expertise and her reputation across the sector.

This is a tremendous achievement and a well‑deserved recognition of Heather’s professionalism, experience and commitment to excellence in venue and facilities management.

On behalf of everyone on the Hippodrome team, we offer Heather our warmest congratulations. We’re proud to have her insight and leadership on our Board as we continue the work of bringing the Hippodrome back to life.

**Legends Global is one of the world’s leading venue and live‑experience companies, operating more than 450 venues worldwide across arenas, stadiums, theatres and major events.**

08/05/2026

There has been a significant change in the composition of Tameside Council following yesterday’s elections. Labour remain the largest party but no longer hold overall control. Reform UK have gained 18 of the 19 seats contested, with the exception of St Peter’s Ward, where Atta Ul‑Rasool has been elected as Labour Councillor.

As we have said throughout, our work with the Council is not dependent on which party, if any, holds power. We will continue to work constructively with all elected members who share our commitment to the regeneration of Ashton and the reopening of the Hippodrome.

We would like to acknowledge the contribution of two former councillors who have supported the project over many years.
David Sweeton has been involved since February 2012, encouraging us to consider the wider economic potential of the area surrounding the theatre. His advice and engagement were invaluable in shaping our early thinking.
In 2013 he introduced us to John Taylor, then Deputy Leader, who challenged us to demonstrate that a viable and coherent business plan could be achieved. His guidance helped us refine the project into the form it takes today.

We thank both David and John for their long‑standing support for the Hippodrome.

We also congratulate Councillor Atta Ul‑Rasool on his election in St Peter’s Ward and look forward to working with him as we move into the next phase of the project.

The work continues.

22/04/2026

Today marks a historic step forward for the Tameside Hippodrome.
Earlier today Tameside Council approved major capital support to help bring the theatre back into live use — the first investment of its kind in well over two decades. It’s a clear signal of the Council’s commitment to the Hippodrome’s future, to St Peter’s Ward, and to Ashton’s night time economy and cultural life.

This support comes from external grant funding secured by the Council, from sources we cannot access directly. It does not come from Council Tax. The decision follows the submission of our business plan earlier this year and builds on 30 months of constructive partnership and full co operation.

And to be absolutely clear: this milestone is not connected to the election.
The funding has been in development for 12 months, and the campaign behind it has been running for fourteen years.

Our thanks
We want to acknowledge the professionalism and sustained support of Damien Cutting, Major Projects Manager (Town Centres), and Mike Reed, Head of Development and Major Programmes, both of the Development & Investment, Strategic Growth Unit.
We also recognise the encouragement provided by those who held key leadership roles in earlier years, particularly the then-Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business and Employment in 2012 and the then-Deputy Leader in 2013, whose support helped keep the project alive during its most difficult periods.
And we particularly thank Councillor Andrew McLaren, the current Deputy Leader, for his constructive engagement throughout the past 18 months.
Most importantly, we want to thank you — the public.
In 2008, more than 12,000 of you signed a petition to keep this building alive. Your belief, persistence and determination have carried this project through every setback and every breakthrough.
The road ahead is still long, but today we can say something we haven’t been able to say for a very long time:
the Hippodrome is moving forward again, with real momentum and a real future.

Address

40, Oldham Road
Ashton-Under-Lyne
OL67SF

Website

http://www.thehipp.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ashton Empire Hippodrome posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Ashton Empire Hippodrome:

Ashton Empire Hippodrome