Northern Ballet – Leeds

Bowman Riley was introduced to Northern Ballet by the Keith Howard Foundation, a philanthropic organisation established by one of our longstanding clients. Northern Ballet is a leading UK dance company based in a 2010 purpose-built facility in Leeds city centre.

Our initial commission was to explore how the existing lobby could be transformed into a more inspiring and engaging space for visitors. The aim was to elevate the first impression for audiences and participants, creating an environment that reflects the company’s creativity and artistic energy. We developed design proposals to enhance the visitor experience and functionality of the space, ensuring it supports the diverse activities within the building.

Following this, we supported Northern Ballet with a grant funding application to re-roof their workshop in Bramley, Leeds. The space serves as the company’s workshop for sets, props, and scenery used in productions. We were then commissioned to prepare proposals to refurbish the workshop lobby to create a welcoming environment for visiting student groups, creative and community partners. Our proposals include removing outdated 1980s partitions and introducing new, flexible ones, potentially built in-house by Northern Ballet’s workshop team. The reconfigured layout will provide an office, kitchen, accessible shower, and a welcoming lobby, with an accessible ramp for inclusive entry.

These improvements will create a more functional and inclusive environment, supporting Northern Ballet’s community outreach. Through thoughtful design interventions, we enhanced both the public-facing and behind-the-scenes spaces of this world-class cultural organisation.

See more of our community projects here.