The Rotterdam-based architectural studio GroupA has been chosen out of five participants

GROUP A has won the competition for the new dance centre in Nottingham.

The Rotterdam-based architectural studio has been chosen out of five participants, who were selected after an international competition. The five shortlisted firms selected in February 2010 were Ian Ritchie, Malcolm Fraser, Ash Sakula, Group A and District 6. The competition was backed by international dance organisation Dance4, who are seeking to realise a world-wide orientated and renowned dance centre in the Nottingham neighbourhood of Sneinton, an area currently facing redevelopment.

"We have made a design proposal that is both multifunctional, flexible and dynamic, and seeks to establish a strong relationship with its surroundings. To improve synergy as much as possible, the central social hub where people meet should be the beating heart of the dance centre. The centre will be part of a greater vision for upgrading the Sneinton neighbourhood. It is one of the pioneering elements in this neighbourhood, and could be considered a catalyst." (Group A) Paul Russ, chief Executive and artistic director of Dance4 said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with GROUP A architects. Amid the formidable calibre of each of the five selected architects, it was clear that GROUP A best understood the brief and communicated their excitement and artistry through their designs. As a practice they embody the same philosophy as Dance4, seeking to deliver excellence through challenging perceptions and are clearly inspired by our ambition.’