The Hippodrome in Brighton has topped the Theatres at Risk Register, compiled by the Theatres Trust, for the third year running.
The list was published a few days ago and notes the sale of the theatre to a private investor in November.
The new owner is believed to be planning to convert the site into a luxury hotel and flats.
The “Theatres at Risk” entry for the Hippodrome notes the work of the Brighton Hippodrome Community Interest Company (CIC) in trying to preserve the building as a theatre.
The trust said: “The Brighton Hippodrome is the UK’s most architecturally significant circus theatre – the finest surviving example of its type in the country.
“It is listed grade II*. The Hippodrome originally opened as an ice skating rink in 1897, designed by Lewis Karslake.
“In 1901 eminent theatre architect Frank Matcham converted it into a circus and in 1902 it was converted into a variety theatre.
“The most spectacular feature is the circular auditorium with its richly decorated ceiling in the form of a panelled tent.
“The relationship between the stage house, auditorium and circle, as well as the ancillary areas, is significant as a unique example of our past cultural and recreational pursuits.
“Why is this theatre at risk? In 2014 Brighton and Hove City Council approved planning applications to convert the Hippodrome into a multiplex cinema.
“This would have seen the auditorium subdivided, the fly tower demolished and the rear access to the theatre built upon, preventing the building from ever being used as a theatre again.
“However, in 2015, the proposed cinema operator pulled out and this consent has subsequently expired.
“A stakeholder group including the Theatres Trust commissioned a viability study which concluded the Hippodrome does have a viable future as a lyric theatre, if the challenge of raising funds can be met.
“Brighton Hippodrome Community Interest Company has been leading the project to restore the Hippodrome and in 2016 secured grants to complete a valuation, structural surveys and initial designs.
“The proposals include residential and retail development on site to support the restoration of the auditorium and stage house.
“Importantly, this new development will be sensitive to the needs of a performance venue and will not prevent access to the get in and back of house areas, meaning the Hippodrome can ultimately be used as a lyric theatre.
