Member Article

Royal Academy of Dance to move HQ as part of 275-home development

The Royal Academy of Dance has announced it has reached an agreement with developers York Place Buildings to construct its new purpose-built headquarters as part of a wider mixed-use development.

Situated on York Road in Wandsworth, the Academy’s new ‘state-of-the-art’ home will be included as part of the redevelopment of the current Homebase warehouse and car park which will also entail the delivery of 275 new homes.

As part of the agreement, York Place Buildings will acquire the arts organisations current premises at Battersea Square, also housed in Wandsworth, which will be converted into 34 flats and five modern town houses.

Commenting following confirmation of the agreement, Luke Rittner, Chief Executive of Royal Academy of Dance, said: “As a global organisation and world leader in dance education and training, our new home needs to reflect that status in every way.

“I believe that this agreement will deliver a world-class headquarters that will not only make our worldwide members, staff and partners proud; it will also support us in the fulfilment of a vision to make innovative, artistic and lasting contributions to dance and dance education throughout the world.

“That we will open our doors in time to celebrate our centenary could not be more fitting.”

Plans for the new Patel Taylor-designed premises include seven Academy standard studios, flexible performance space with reconfigurable seating, office space and two cafes, along with commitments for even greater community engagement once it is opened.

Omer Weinberger, director, York Place Buildings said: “We are delighted to be able to provide a state of the art new home for the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance, and that it can remain in Wandsworth.

“We’re looking forward to starting on site later this year, providing spectacular one, two and three bedrooms river fronting apartments above the RAD new headquarters and, in due course, on our award-winning scheme in Battersea Square.”

Work is set to begin on the new headquarters this year and is targeting a 2020 opening in time for the Academy’s 100th anniversary.