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Rehearsal spaces at ALRA in Wigan and London

The ALRA Rehearsal Spaces are ideal for Dance, Movement and Fight classes.

ALRA South Rehearsal Spaces

The Great Hall 

From 1974, the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building fell into disrepair, losing most of its windows, and thousands of feral pigeons moved in. Thieves stole lead from the rooves and water tanks, allowing rain into the building's fabric: dry rot then destroyed much of the timber structure including floors and door frames. The building came under threat of demolition, but was saved by campaigning by the Victorian Society and the Wandsworth Society, and became a Grade II listed building.

In 1980 the Greater London Council (GLC), granted a lease with the option to buy the building for £1 to a developer, Tuberg Property Company. Restoration took six years. Just before formal handover by the GLC, the main hall with its elaborate hammer beam ceiling was destroyed by arson. The hall was fully restored from a photographic survey which luckily had been made two weeks earlier.

The Civic Trust awarded a commendation in 1985 for the hall ceiling. Now used for Dance, Movement and Fight classes as well as being adapted for private functions such as the ALRA Summer Ball and Graduation Ceremonies.

Studio Spaces

Some with sprung dance/movement floors, others with no external light for film screenings and presentations.

ALRA North Rehearsal Spaces

The Main Hall

As part of Trencherfield Mill the previously derelict Grade II listed building has been renovated to become a development comprising commercial, retail, and leisure space and 52 one and two-bedroom apartments. The mill engine has been preserved, and restored. Since 2009 it can be seen in steam each Sunday morning. The Mill at the Pier is was a famous Jazz venue and hosted the Wigan Jazz festival for many years.

Now used for Theatre productions by ALRA as well as Dance, Movement and Fight classes and adapted for private functions such as the ALRA Summer Ball and Graduation Ceremonies.

Studio Spaces

Some with sprung dance/movement floors, others with no external light for film screenings and presentations.

 

To book rehearsal spaces, please email Ellie on eleanor.walker-smith@alra.co.uk