Project Overview
Description
The Royal Academy of Dance is a London-based, independent educational dance charity. This project saw their relocation to a new 45,000 sq ft purpose-built academy in Battersea, delivered through a complex land swap arrangement.
Our role
Appointed as Project Manager and Employer’s Agent, we:
• developed the full project brief and technical specification for all spaces;
• negotiated and agreed the Development Agreement, Land Swap and Lease arrangements;
• monitored the base build shell and core works and specialist fit-out works, ensuring compliance with agreed brief, cost, quality and programme;
• led procurement and coordination of interior design, loose furniture, equipment and specialist fit-out elements; and
• provided effective cost, quality and programme control across complex phased delivery.
The works required close coordination between multiple consultants and specialist contractors, including acoustic, lighting and dance-flooring specialists, to meet the high technical standards required for professional dance training and performance.
Scope and Outcomes
Specialist fit-out of a developer-provided shell and core building, delivered as part of a land swap arrangement involving the Academy’s existing freehold.
The project delivered specialist teaching, rehearsal and performance facilities, to support world-class dance education within a contemporary cultural building, including:
• 10 professional dance studios
• a 200-seat performance space
• offices, café and retail shop
• library and lecture spaces
• ancillary circulation and support areas
• integration of specialist acoustic, lighting and flooring solutions
• access improvements to enable inclusive use.
