Newcastle's DanceCity, the national dance agency for the north of England, has been awarded almost £1.3m from the Arts Council of England for a purpose-built centre.

The company has outgrown its current home, a converted warehouse in the Grainger Town area, which is both too small and inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Malcolm Fraser Architects, who were behind the DanceBase building in Edinburgh, have been appointed to design the £6m centre which comprise five studios, a 250-capacity performance space, an education centre with classrooms and a library, offices and a café and bar.

The centre has already received detailed planning as well as funding from Newcastle City Council, the Grainger Town Project and the European Regional Development Fund. It is part of a wider programme of redevelopment for the Grainger Town area, which includes new shops, homes, cafés and a park, and is currently out to consultation. Details: +44 (0)191 261 0505