Bournemouth Borough Council invested £3.29 million in the construction and fit-out of the new Dance Centre in Bournemouth and employed Drama by Design as theatre consultants on the project.  There is a welcoming foyer, an impressive 180 seat performance auditorium/theatre and two rehearsal studios resourcing dance classes for all ages and abilities, world class dance performances and space for professional dance artists to rehearse and create new work.

Pavilion Dance offers a wide range of dance classes, workshops and short courses suitable for all ages. The centre is also a base for regional, national and international conferences and festivals.

The main theatre auditorium incorporates high quality technical systems for dance, theatre, conference and a full HD digital cinema system with surround sound. The entire audio visual and lighting system can be operated via touch screens around the auditorium, ensuring that the space can be set up in seconds for each different type of event. Once the portable lectern is in place, the presenter can control all aspects of the audio visual presentation without the need for a separate technician. There are also comprehensive theatre and dance stage lighting and sound  systems, all especially designed to be ground supported as nothing could be supported from the fabric of the listed building.

The seating unit was specially designed for the building and incorporates two fixed rows at the back of the auditorium with 8 rows of fully upholstered retractable seating in front.

Some of the latest technology is installed in the venue including LED colour changing cyclorama lighting and LED moving lights.  The main auditorium also incorporates a system to monitor SPL levels to ensure compliance with the Noise at Work regulations, which came into effect for theatres in April 2008.

The two rehearsal studios are equipped with high quality sound systems and the whole building has an audio and video show relay and paging system.

Drama by Design worked as theatre and performing arts consultants and designers as part of the design team developing the design, layout and finishes of the building with the architect,  designing and specifying all the technical systems and project managing the works through to completion.