Yorkshire Dance Centre, Leeds
A Model for Dance Centres

Allen Tod has been providing advice and architectural services to the Yorkshire Dance Centre Trust since 1980. We were requested by the Trust to put forward proposals to complete the development of the building and the Dance Centre.

We developed a flexible strategy that allowed for the phased conversion and development of the building as funding became available. The project now houses dance studios, resources area, a social and reception area and administration offices.

There are additional studios which the Dance Centre leases to the Phoenix Dance Company and the York Street studios are leased to a variety of different enterprises. Both Phoenix and York Street studios generate substantial revenue for the Dance Centre programme.

The office areas of the Dance Centre offer flexibility and ‘hot desking’. This facility accommodates, for instance, choreographers coming to the Dance Centre to work on particular dance projects. It is also let to outside users when it is available.

A cafe/wine bar was identified as a key element of the Dance Centre. It provides an essential catering facility and a social focus for the Dance Centre users. The ‘Cactus Lounge’ cafe bar draws people into the building from a wide area.

The Yorkshire Dance Centre is now recognised by the Arts Council as a model for regional Dance Centres.
Allen Tod was awarded a Financial Times/RIBA award for community Architecture and a Gulbenkien award for Workspace. 1984-1996.

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