Giant step for new dance and theatre headquarters

The development, being built by Wates Construction, is due to be completed later this year and will see the creation of the largest dance space outside London. The six-storey building will comprise seven dance studios, a 200-seat theatre, a health suite, wardrobe facilities, office space, a restaurant and public exhibition area.

The deputy Lord Mayor, Coun Patrick Davey, was joined by representatives from Leeds City Council, Wates Construction, Northern Ballet Theatre and Phoenix Dance Theatre, as well as key stakeholders and partners in the city.

In a twist on the traditional topping-out ceremony, Wates Construction presented the dance companies with a symbolic yew tree to bring the building and those who will enjoy it, happiness and prosperity.

Coun Davey then buried a memory stick containing electronic memorabilia underneath one of the dance studio floors.

Historically, the topping-out ceremony marks the topmost beam being placed in the building to complete the structure. Its origins harp back to pagan times where the purpose of the ceremony was to appease tree-dwelling spirits and bring good luck by placing a yew tree branch in the uppermost part of the building.

The building will form part of the city's cultural-quarter with its neighbours the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Yorkshire Dance, BBC Leeds and the Leeds College of Music.

Dave Price, Wates Construction's regional manager, said: "We're making great progress and this topping out ceremony indicates a big step forward in the construction of this impressive building, which is already making its mark upon the city's landscape.

"I sincerely hope that the Northern Ballet and Phoenix dance companies flourish in their new home."

Coun Davey added: "It is fantastic that Leeds has made provisions for such a great dance space in the city. The project is a brilliant way of showing Leeds's cultural mix"