Academy Music Group (AMG) has acquired its twelfth venue – the Hippodrome in Brighton.

The company, which owns the Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Brixton Academy, agreed terms on the leasehold interest of the Grade II-listed building with Southampton-based property developers Urbanfirst.

The Hippodrome dates back to 1897, when it was known as Brighton Ice-Rink, before it was converted to a theatre in 1901 and renamed the Hippodrome. It closed as a performance venue in 1965 and became a bingo hall from 1967-2006.

John Northcote, AMG’s chief executive officer, said: “Brighton is a great city, a location we’ve been looking into for some time. We’re delighted at the prospect of maintaining and developing a site with such history, especially as the venue still retains many of the original features and grandeur of its early years.

“Our aim is to bring the Hippodrome back as a quality entertainment venue, working with local bands and artists as well as major UK and international acts.”