Vail Williams LLP, leading real estate advisers, have helped to secure significant rates savings following an appeal process for Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford as they move into a new dance studio.
The Performance Preparation Academy (PPA) was based for many years in the old but much loved Bellerby Theatre in College Road, Guildford, which is owned by Guildford Borough Council. Based on the site of Electricity Works built in 1913, the building was renamed the Electricity Theatre when it first opened as a centre for arts and drama. In 1978 after a refurbishment it was renamed the Bellerby Theatre, seating 150 people. The site is now destined for re-development.
The PPA is a well established TV, stage and theatre academy which trains and hones the skills of performers for shows across Guildford. Offering vocational training as well as academic qualifications, PPA prepares students for the challenge of a career in musical theatre, dance and drama.
With the re-development of the Bellerby Theatre, PPA needed new studios. The Vail Williams Planning Department helped secure suitable premises for them in Ward Street Guildford by securing permission for a change of use for the office building to a dance studio.
The Vail Williams Rating Team also appealed the rating assessment which totalled £74,000 and reduced this to £47,750, a reduction of £39,400. The appeals process is a challenge made to the Valuation Office Agency, who are part of the Inland Revenue and who set business rates for all commercial property in England and Wales. Negotiations involved the Valuation Officer in Guildford where the agreed reduction in rateable value is transmitted to Guildford Borough Council who issue the rate demands. Any overpayments would be credited to PPA.
The building was opened by Bonnie Langford in January 2012.
Costa Pieri of PPA commented: “Vail Williams has helped PPA save cash which we are able to use to much greater advantage elsewhere within our business going forward.”
David Easton, Associate at Vail Williams added: “We are very pleased to have saved PPA some money and hope their new dance studio will meet their needs for many years.”
