Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, 5 – 7 Guildhall Walk stands as a testament to the city’s rich tapestry of history and resilience.
This address was once home to the illustrious Hippodrome Theatre, a beacon of entertainment that opened its doors on 13 May 1907 as a music hall
and was designed by Bertie Crewe, the eminent Edwardian Theatre architect.
The theatre had two levels, with the gallery located above the great tier. The proscenium arch, a massive, curved arch made of Derbyshire marble and has four boxes on either side.
The theatre featured deep crimson seating that was widely spaced to allow latecomers to move to their places without upsetting those already seated.
The interior was painted in white and gold with four columned arches on either side of the proscenium. Cherubs flying high above were painted on the auditorium ceiling.
There were 465 seats in the stalls, 280 in the pit, 352 in the grand circle, and 624 in the gallery, for a total capacity of 1,873.
There was room for 100 people standing and 52 people in the eight boxes.
By 1913, it had embraced the silver screen, operating as a full-time cinema until 1918, before returning to live performances.
The theatre’s vibrant life was tragically cut short during the Portsmouth Blitz; on 10 January 1941, it was destroyed by German bombs, leaving a void in the city’s cultural landscape.
For decades, the site remained a silent witness to the past, until 1982 when it was redeveloped into an office block named Hippodrome House.
This transformation marked a new chapter, reflecting Portsmouth’s post-war regeneration efforts.
Today, the narrative of 5 – 7 Guildhall Walk is poised to evolve once more. Brompton Cross Construction has been entrusted with reimagining this historic location into a contemporary residential development.
The project will feature 45 modern apartments, thoughtfully designed for the rental market, blending urban living with the site’s storied heritage.
Situated in a central and accessible part of the city, this development aims to contribute to Portsmouth’s ongoing revitalisation, offering residents a unique connection to the past while embracing the future.
As we embark on this transformative journey, Brompton Cross Construction remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Hippodrome Theatre,
ensuring that the spirit of performance and community continues to resonate within the walls of 5 – 7 Guildhall Walk.
References
