A much-loved community dance academy in Salford is being forced to move location due to soaring rent costs.
Studio 96, a community interest company that provides dance instruction for kids and adults is having to shift to a unit just 50 metres away from its existing home as it can no longer afford the rent. Director Mrs Suzanne Roberts has submitted an application to change the use of a unit at Cody Court into a dance studio, so the organisation can relocate from its current premises at Sundance Court, Kansas Avenue.
The six-year-old site currently offers a mixture of activities including competitive dance training, community arts offers, inclusive dance classes, and welcomes around 100 families a week to a ‘Little Bees’ session, helping parents form community networks and tots to build confidence and dexterity skills.
In a fundraiser organised to help finance the move, Mrs Roberts wrote to local families and businesses: “Due to a significant increase in rent, we need to move into a new studio space to continue offering these opportunities. Our vision is to create a modern, fully equipped space where dance classes, community groups, and play sessions can thrive safely for years to come.
“However, the new space needs essential work, including flooring, heating, and updated equipment, to meet health and safety standards.”
The firm has been fundraising in recent weeks to help finance the move, raising almost £12,000 to cover ‘costly’ works from local businesses. Many donors shared how meaningful the club has been for their youngsters, with local mum Kayley stating the classes had been ‘life changing for me and my daughter’.
“She has learnt so much that I couldn’t teach her about teamwork, dedication, friendships, commitment. Her confidence has grown beautifully and she has learnt so many skills through the time and effort she has received!” she said in a donation message.
Local gran Gail Harris added her granddaughter ‘has gone from a shy quiet girl to a much more confident young lady’ as a result of the CIC.
The donations have been matched pound-for-pound by Salford Council.
The local authority is now considering an application that would allow a former industrial unit to be turned into the dance and gymnastics space. In an application to officers, Mrs Roberts added: “The relocation is necessary due to a significant increase in rental costs at the existing premises, which is no longer financially viable for the organisation to continue operating while maintaining affordable access to community dance provision.
“The proposal does not represent an expansion of the business but simply the relocation of an established, long-standing community dance academy to a nearby unit in order to ensure sustainability and continued service delivery to the local community.”
Some minor internal works would ensure the unit features Open studio training spaces, a reception area, toilets, and locker areas. No alterations are planned to the exterior of the building apart from ‘modest’ signage.
