Leith's Thomas Morton Hall could become a dance mecca if plans by Dance Base to take the building on for a two-year trial period get the go ahead from councillors next week.
Dance Base, who have a modern H.Q. in the Grassmarket, plan to use a £68,000 award from the Scottish Arts Council Resilience Fund to help refurbish the Thomas Morton Hall and equip it as a dance studio space.
The SAC award was granted to Dance Base for a two-year pilot scheme to run dance classes in consultation with the Leith community. Professional dancers will also make use of the space to develop new dance works.
"Dance Base used to be a National Centre for Dance without a dance studio,so we held classes all over the city and the Thomas Morton Hall was the star amongst those venues," says Dance Base's Artistic Director, Morag Deyes MBE. "What a delight that we might revisit that amazing building and also to connect with the vitality and character of Leith. We hope to be part of it again and add our own brand of fun into the fascinating mix of that community."
If the proposals are approved by members of the Council's Culture and Leisure Committee, and subject to the outcome of ongoing local consultation, a lease will be drawn up for Dance Base to occupy the Thomas Morton Hall for two years from July 2010, with classes beginning in the Autumn following essential refurbishment works.
Under the plans, existing bookings for classes, weddings and other events will be honoured.
Councillor Deidre Brock, Convenor of the Culture and Leisure Committee, said that Dance Base's two-year trial use of the Thomas Morton Hall in Leith offered "tremendous opportunities" for Leith. She added: "It also helps us to preserve the longer term future of this wonderful building, now sadly in great need of repair and refurbishment."
The Dance Base proposals for Thomas Morton Hall were worked on alongside the Leith Theatre Trust and the Alba Conservation Trust, who have been working to secure a future for the building.
Chair of the Leith Theatre Trust, Philip Neaves, said: "Leith Theatre Trust is delighted that Dance Base proposes to expand its operations into the theatre complex. Since its formation in 2004 Leith Theatre Trust has sought to re-open the theatre complex for the benefit of the community. Dance Base has enabled the Trust to realise the first part of its vision. Dance Base will provide an excellent resource for the people of Leith and will open up the theatre complex bringing variety and activity to this part of Leith."