Hereford dance company's aim to transform iconic city building

2Faced dance company moved into the Grade II listed old Magistrates Court in Gaol Street in Hereford just before the first national lockdown of 2020.

Now renamed the Centre for Movement, the prison cells have already been converted into changing rooms while the former judge’s bench is now a studio.

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The investment from ACE’s capital investment fund will support the leading dance company’s plans to make the venue more accessible to enable more collaboration with disabled artists and easier access for the local community.

The Centre for Movement currently hosts a weekly inclusive dance class and the space is used by local collaborator Kris Saunders, a wheelchair dance artist.

The grant is also being invested to enable the company to reduce its impact on the environment, investing in an electric vehicle, LED lighting and bike racks allowing the dance company to be more sustainable at home and whilst on tour.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England said "World class creativity and culture needs a resilient and sustainable infrastructure to allow it to flourish.

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With these investments in the buildings, equipment, and digital systems of cultural organisations across England, we are helping to secure the future of that infrastructure, and making sure that people from every part of the country can continue enjoying all the benefits it delivers for years to come."

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips who has a house near Leominster, is patron of 2Faced dance company and said that accessibility is at the heart of everything the charity do.

She said: "This investment will help us bring together disabled and non-disabled artists as well as widen access to visitors.

"Obviously, in a listed building that has thrown up some challenges but we are really excited by the plans and can’t wait to welcome everyone into the Centre for Movement."