Flood-damaged York recording studio open for business

A York-based recording studio that suffered extensive damage in the Boxing Day floods is now open for business following repairs and renovation.

Melrose Yard Studios on Walmgate was forced to close after rising water destroyed valuable recording equipment and ruined wooden flooring, carpets and soundproofed walls.

The flood occurred less than a week after the owners of the business completed the purchase of the building, supported by York-based Langleys Solicitors.

Sam Holdstock and business partner Iain Bolton, who took over Melrose Yard Studios seven years ago, said the floods caused damage of more than £20k.

Sam’s sister-in-law Fiona Hinchey set up a crowd-funding page, which raised more than £4.5k to help the business bounce back.

Sam said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from friends, customers and family who have come along to help us or pledged money. We were devastated by the damage, but the aftermath has brought the best out in human nature.”

The studio complex, which has played host to famous brands including The Enemy, includes three rehearsal rooms, a state-of-the-art recording studio, a teaching studio and customer equipment storage.

Sam added: “The floods devastated the premises with 14 inches of water coming into the building overnight. We lost a lot of musical equipment, which has had to be replaced. Re-soundproofing the building has also proved expensive.

“Now the renovation work is behind us, we can get back to what we do best – offering York musicians of all ages a variety of services including rehearsal space, recording and hosting hen parties and children’s birthday recording studio experiences.”