THE deadline for developers to submit their plans for the Dudley Hippodrome site has been extended, after the council failed to receive any bids.

After years of uncertainty, the Hippodrome's fate was set to be decided by Dudley Borough Council at the end of the August. But after no submissions were received,. the deadline has since been extended to September 14 while council officials continue discussions with an 'interested party'.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We have extended the deadline for submission of interest after speaking with an interested party.

"We have said all along we will consider any viable proposals for this building or cleared site and give people every opportunity to find a future use for it.”

It can now be revealed that Dudley College is intending to submit a bid for the site, although its intentions on whether to demolish or develop the historic Hippodrome building are being kept under wraps.

A spokesman for Dudley College confirmed: "The college, along with other partners, is intending to submit a bid in relation to the Hippodrome site."

Councillor for Sedgley ward, Shaun Keasey, said Dudley Council should be 'taking the lead' to find the funding to restore the building as a hub for music, art and performance.

Dudley News:

He said: "As an authority I believe we need to encourage involvement in music and the arts, allowing people the opportunity to express themselves and create.

"Dudley has some fantastic venues and town halls, but how wonderful would it be to have a bespoke music, art and performance hub where local and national talent is showcased.

"In my opinion the Hippodrome could be that hub and maybe, as an authority, it should be us taking the lead, finding the funding and developing the project to create what should be an iconic building and centre."

In its glory days, Dudley Hippodrome welcomed stars like Harry Secombe, Tommy Cooper and Cliff Richard before it closed down in 1974, later becoming a bingo hall.