ACE dance and music push forward with project to build a world class dance hub in Birmingham

The next chapter in the long creative history of ACE dance and music has taken a giant step closer with the purchase of the building that will become their new home.

The Company will relocate to 82 Milk Street, Birmingham, in the heart of the city over the next 12 months, repurposing a semi-derelict car repair workshop to become a world leading centre for dance and culture.

ACE dance and music bought the property in October of 2023 and working with Fazeley based Intervention Architecture, have created detailed plans for inspirational performance and rehearsal facilities. In tandem, the project is pursuing funding to further enhance the project having already gratefully received generous contributions from Arts Council England, the Wolfson Foundation and People’s Postcode Lottery.

ACE dance and music has been creating dance that has toured the world for 27 years. Alongside this they have been the catalyst for many young artists to take up careers in the arts. Ian Parmel, ACE dance and music’s CEO is thrilled that they will finally have a lasting home. 

"Our new dance space is more than bricks and mortar, it’s a legacy. It’s a place where young people will discover their voice, where communities will connect, and where future generations of artists will be inspired to dream bigger than ever before".

The New Home project will house a purpose built 196 seat theatre with retractable seating. ACE dance and music will be able to present other touring companies, their own performances, scratch nights by early career artists and performances by ACE students.

In addition, the theatre will convert for use as one or two studios separate studios. These will have a sprung floor for creation, rehearsals, classes and training. They will also be available for hire.

Large scale activities like making carnival costumes, exhibitions and family activities will take place in an indoor courtyard.
The new space looks firmly to the future and its own sustainability with excellent step free access, induction loops, quiet spaces and is energy efficient using heat pumps and sustainable design.

The project is the culmination of ACE dance and music’s vision to establish a world-leading dance centre at the core of its home city.  The Company will leave its Floodgate Street headquarters after over a decade to take up residence in Milk Street in 2026.