Midway House at Coten End has been used for many years as town centre offices for marketing and professional consultancies. However, with a recent dip in demand for office space and shift to preference for smaller areas in town centres, the owner of the building entertained interest in the premises for alternative uses.

One such proposal came from Warwick School of Dance, an existing dance tuition business in Warwick, seeking a permanent home.

There were challenges converting front and rear office rooms to dance studios, not least sound proofing floors to minimise disturbance to retail and restaurant premises below.

Principal Emily Twitchett had a vision though and, commissioned a specialist to assist with floor design and contractors to complete the work to the desired specification and owner’s satisfaction.

There are now two beautiful light and airy dance studios in an imposing Victorian Building attracting students of ballet, tap, Acro, street and contemporary dance.

Marketing and managing agent Martyn Howard said, “it took some persuasion to convince the property owner of the long-term benefit of changing to dance school use. However, this property was over-sized for offices in Warwick town centre, despite the massive benefit of a 10-space rear car park. We could have split the space into two lettable units, with shared facilities, but tenancies could be predicted to be for one or two years, with a high turnover of occupants and rental voids. We had to find an alternative income stream and the approach from Emily came at just the right time.”

Warwick School of Dance has committed to the premises for 6 years, although the hope and expectation is the bespoke studios will have a long and rewarding home at the building.