The Dance Space in Circus Street marked its official opening on Friday 15 July by launching a free festival of dance. Alongside dance classes, workshops and performances, the building will play host to artists and choreographers creating and rehearsing new work.
The Dance Space has been designed as a sustainable building, one of only 10% of new builds in the UK to be awarded a BREEAM rating of excellent for its environmentally sustainable features. The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method is the world's longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
It sits at the heart of the Circus Street development, where the site of the former fruit and vegetable market, a car park and university annex building have been regenerated to provide new, affordable homes, student accommodation and flexible office accommodation.
Speaking at the launch event Council Leader Phélim Mac Cafferty said:
“At the heart of the Circus Street regeneration is this new home for South East Dance which will add so much to the city’s cultural offer, our visitor profile, our economy and, of course, boost our health and wellbeing.
“Having been involved in this project for almost a decade, from the architect shortlisting to chairing the Planning Committee, it has been inspiring and powerful to watch paper plans rise as distinguished buildings out of the ground in the transformation of this former derelict site. We as a city council are incredibly proud to show our ongoing commitment to this major new cultural facility for Brighton & Hove.
“I want to congratulate all involved in the development which in the last month has won the Architect’s Journal ‘Building of the Year’ and Sussex Heritage Trust’s ‘large-scale residential’ awards. The project has highlighted the success that can be achieved when we work together. As a city council we provided the land for the facility, supported the project with feasibility and development costs, and are providing South East Dance with a 40-year lease at a below market rent in recognition of the numerous economic, cultural and social benefits to our citizens.
“We look forward to the bright future this stunning new Dance Space will bring for dance and movement in the city.”
You can find more information about South East Dance’s City Dances 2022 programme and upcoming activities on the Dance Space website.
Picture credit: Emily Watson and South East Dance
