Work has started on the Tramway site to build an £11 million new home for Scottish Ballet.

‘This is an important day for us,’ said Cindy Sughrue, the company’s Executive Producer. Pictured above, two dancers try out the space that will become their new headquarters.

At the end of 2006, Glasgow City Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans for the multi-arts production and presentation centre at the Tramway fronting onto Pollokshaws Road. The Scottish Executive ratified this last month and has promised funding – as has the Scottish Arts Council.

Additional backing is expected from Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and Glasgow City Council. With a £3.75 National Lottery grant, Scottish Ballet has now secured more than £7.5million towards the costs.

Under Ashley Page’s award-winning direction, Scottish Ballet is recognised for its exceptional artistic standards. But development of its education activities has been severely hampered by their current dilapidated premises in the West End of the city.

The initiative will join Scottish Ballet to the existing Tramway arts complex and the Hidden Garden.