Academy given green light for 'innovation hub'

An academy that specialises in live events has been given the green light to expand by building an ‘innovation hub’.
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Backstage Academy Ltd and Production Park in South Kirkby will construct the four-storey building at its base at Langthwaite Grange Industrial Estate.

A statement with the application sent to Wakefield Council’s planning department read: “The innovation hub will create a specialist knowledge and innovation centre that will focus on research and development for the live events industry and its supply chain.

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“Specialist equipment will be used to deliver a support programme across the live events industry, covering specialisms such as music, TV, film, sports, corporate events, theatre and arts.”

Backstage Academy.Backstage Academy.
Backstage Academy.

The plans show the hub consisting of two-storey workshop building which will be occupied smaller studios, meeting rooms and offices, along with a larger four-storey research studio section of the building.

The site is currently occupied by a single-storey building which has fallen into a dilapidated state, which will be demolished so work on the new buildings can begin.

It is currently used for car parking space.

The statement continues: “Situated at the gateway to the business park, the proposal will dramatically improve the aesthetic of the site by offering a clean lined, contemporary building with high detailing.”

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The project is being delivered by Backstage Academy in partnership with Wakefield Council and will run until 2022.

It is being part funded by European Regional Development Fund.

Production Park is a live events destination, featuring rehearsal studios, numerous events businesses and the live events production university centre, Backstage Academy.

The park can boast an impressive clientele, designing and creating stage sets for some of the world’s biggest selling artists, including Coldplay, Muse and Beyonce.

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The academy attracts students wanting to pursue careers as live event technicians.

They can work towards degree-accredited qualifications in lighting design, sound engineering and live visuals, as well as in stage, production and event management.