News

Plan to convert vacant warehouse into circus school to be considered

By Latifa Yedroudj, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

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An empty warehouse could be turned into a circus school after plans were submitted to the council.

Applicant Tuyo Circus Arts Limited has lodged plans to Nottingham City Council to take over the vacant warehouse at Nottingham Wholesale And Trade Park along Clarke Road.

They submitted a planning statement on Wednesday, May 14.

The warehouse is part of a group of large industrial buildings, which has an on-site café and car parking spaces.

If approved, it will be transformed into an indoor circus arts, aerial and acrobatic sports facility that can accommodate specialist equipment needed for the classes.

Documents read: “It benefits from high ceilings, clear span space, and excellent vehicle access – making it uniquely suitable for aerial and acrobatic disciplines that require specialised height and rigging safety clearances.”

Tuyo Circus Arts provides aerial and acrobatic training classes for children and adults, which requires a range of tall and advanced equipment.

Planning documents read: “Tuyo Circus Arts is an established organisation operating in Nottingham since 2010.

“We deliver circus-based movement and performance training to a broad cross-section of the community, from children to older adults,
with a strong focus on inclusion, personal development, and physical and mental wellbeing.”

The training centre was previously based in Iona School in Sneinton, which closed in September 2024 with administrators citing rising operating costs and a decline in pupil numbers.

Since then, the company has been conducting classes in temporary locations across Nottingham while searching for a new permanent base.

Throughout the years, the school has also been popular with children with mental health issues and special needs.

Planning documents read: ” Highlights of our work include 15+ years of service in Nottingham, with deep community roots, programmes that serve all ages and abilities, including SEN, neurodivergent, and refugee students- Fully inclusive ethos, with subsidised or free places supported through volunteering and charity partnerships.

“Progression pathways into performance careers, fitness coaching, and education, [and] a long-standing reputation for professionalism, safeguarding, and positive impact.”

Plans on the circus school will be decided at a later stage.