It was one of Manchester’s hottest nightspots, where stars like the Beatles and Laurel and Hardy played to packed houses.
But the Hulme Hippodrome was turned into a bingo hall after audience numbers dwindled and then fell into disrepair when it closed its doors for good.
Now there are plans to restore the huge Grade-II listed building, which contains an ornate three-tier theatre, ballroom and restaurant.
Youth Village, a not-for-profit enterprise, have unveiled proposals to turn the building into an arts centre and hub for community groups across Manchester.
But work to replace the roof, restore the theatre and carry out repairs around the building, which is off Old Birley Street, could cost more than £20m.
Tony Wright, operations manager for Youth Village, said: "This is a hidden gem in the middle of Hulme – people don’t even know it exists but it’s a monument to the area's past.
"We want to restore that legacy and reclaim what was there for current generations.
"We want this to be a gateway between the Hulme community and the wider environment, including eduction provision like Manchester Metropolitan University.
"People could drop in for advice and there would be facilities for music and the arts."
Opened as a music hall on October 10, 1901, Hulme Hippodrome was once seen as one of Manchester's finest theatres, with its gilded decorations, velvet seats and huge auditorium.
Tunnels are even believed to have been built from the theatre to the nearby Junction Pub and into the city centre for performers to use.
The building was remodelled in the 1950s to become a theatre, seating an audience of 3,000.
It became a bingo hall in the 1970s before it was closed down in 1986. Church group Deya Ministries have held services in the foyer area since buying the building in 1999.
They have leased the building to Youth Village, who work on community development and engagement projects, for a peppercorn rent and will continue to use it while work goes on in the rest of the building.
To find out more about the project, volunteer or donate, contact Tony Wright at tony@theyouthvillage.org .
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I wa amazed to hear this building is still standing, visited many times in the fifties and sixties. heres to its revival.
Tunnels are even believed to have been built from the theatre to the nearby Junction Pub and into the city centre for performers to use.
You will see scally's tunnelling into the Junction pub cellar now that you mentioned that.
Many happy memories of the old place, Pop North, The Clitheroe Kid, Radio 1 Club, i'm sure the local community had it closed in the late 90s, due to noise complaints.
Remember it well. As a child,I went to a panto there and they had naked women appearing. They couldn't move at all and had to stand like statues. Very disturbing--not!
As a kid in the 1950s, to me the Hulme Hip was the Hollywood of Manchester. We used to stand outside the side door and get autographs and sometimes even autographed photos. One of the "stars" I recall with fond memories was La Estrelita or maybe it was La Esterella, who, to me, was an early version of Angelina Jolie. Also, I recall a comedy group who mimicked Egyptians - does anyone out there know their names???.