For the first time since we purchased our building in the mid 80s, Yorkshire Dance is undergoing a major refurbishment. We are based in a 1903 textile mill. Our exposed brickwork, wooden beams and industrial metal fixtures offer unique studio spaces to create and perform. But with thousands of artists and participants coming through our doors each year our facilities are now in desperate need of modernisation. 

One area we are passionate about improving is access. Our renovation started earlier this year with an Unlimited Micro Capital Grant to install two accessible toilets. The new accessible toilets are raised with grab rails and a better layout giving more room to manoeuvre. One thing we’ve learnt is that even some of the simplest changes improve access:

“The door handle/lock is much better to use as I have carpal tunnel and have reduced strength in my hands” – building user

Our Unlimited grant also covered the purchase of beanbags for festivals and events and new seating and cushions for our foyer. Our old foyer seating was very low and deep with no arms making it extremely difficult for some people to get in and out of. Jo Hawkes, Exec Director, explains: 

“Buying accessible furniture was harder than we initially thought. Our biggest piece of learning is that there is no ‘perfect’ when it comes to access. Our new foyer will have different types of chairs for different needs some hard, some soft, some shallow and some deeper and lots of cushions to provide support, comfort and softness.” 

This summer thanks to an Arts Council Creative Foundations grant and our incredible community of donor’s refurbishment work has started in earnest. This is just phase one of the project. Read on to find out what is changing this summer…  

Our foyer is undergoing a complete transformation and can now be accessed using our new lift. Regular visitors will know that our previous lift was prone to breaking down. Memorably in 2024 this resulted in the audience of No Dress Code trekking round to our back entrance to use the lift. 

A new lower reception desk will improve accessible for wheelchair users and children who use our building. A new accessible toilet and automatic door in the foyer will enable independence for all building users. 

Up on our second floor our refurbished toilets and changing facilities offer choice with gendered, non-gendered and accessible options.  

Accessibility is built into the design with colour palettes ensures high-contrast between stairs, railings, floors and wall.  Textured flooring will provide a safe non slip surface along our corridors. New signage at eye level throughout the building will improve navigation. 

These refurbishments are just the first phase of a much bigger project. Over the next year one of our top priorities is to replace our broken seating bank in Studio 3. We’re keen to improve seating and ensure ever body can enjoy watching dance with us.

If you feel anxious about the new spaces and would like a tour please contact us at access@yorkshiredance.com or phone on 0113 243 8765. 

We look forward to welcoming you back to Yorkshire Dance in September.