RARE Dance Studio

RARE Dance Studio, situated in a former warehouse building in the Ropewalks area of Central Liverpool, is a creative arts educational charity offering acting, dance and theatre classes to young people ages 3-21. The school nurtures talent and provides high quality training to prepare students for careers in the performing arts industry with a means-tested fee structure. Previously used as offices, the building provided little acoustic protection and compartmentation, no fresh air supply and awkward spatial planning, each requiring upgrading to provide suitable teaching spaces.

MGMA worked closely with acousticians to provide a working environment that saw an effective change of use to the building and offer it a new lease of life. Set in the heart of the city it was important that the building structure was upgraded to accommodate the new use. The project included an overhaul of the heating, cooling and supply of fresh air systems to the premises throughout that needed to cater for up to 60 performers in the top floor studio at any one time. This combination of MEP installation and acoustic upgrades required careful coordination through the existing structure. The construction of the project was completed within the six-week summer break resulting in minimal disruption in studies for the young people.

The scope of works included the spatial replanning of the internal spaces to improve studio, reception, welfare and breakout facilities. MGMA worked with RARE and brand coordinators Agent Marketing to ensure that the identity of the spaces was consistent on all levels. The new rehearsal spaces have allowed for the young people to flourish in purpose designed environments expressing themselves with confidence without having to worry about the disturbance of the surrounding buildings.