CAMPAIGNERS seeking to save and restore Dudley Hippodrome have presented their business plan to Dudley Council.

The Hippodrome Community Group believes it can raise the funds to bring the theatre back to life if a long lease is granted by the council.

The deadline for developers to submit their plans for the site was extended to September 14 to allow the group’s bid document to be scrutinised by their professional advisors.

Group spokesman, Paul Winchurch, said: “Defeat will never be an option. After six years of trying we are now at the tipping point.

"We have professional people backing us and all we need now is for the council to give us the green light to get going.

“Dudley needs a multi-purpose entertainment venue. Let’s hope with all the investment coming into Dudley that’s what we will get.

"The revitalised Hippodrome can be a big part of that future."

He added: "We have been in touch with loads of interested funding bodies and they won’t put their money up without the council giving us a lease of at least 25 years. The more they give us the better.”

The Hippodrome closed its doors in 2009 when it was operating as a bingo hall.

Prior to that it was a major entertainment venue, attracting top showbiz names over a period of 30 years.

Dudley College has also expressed an interest in developing the Castle Hill site.