by The Local Democracy Reporter, ldreporter@post.com
The future of a local dance studio hangs in the balance following a decisive vote by the Oakham Town Council (OTC). During a recent council session, members voted to terminate the lease of the tenant located at 14 Princess Avenue, citing significant rent arrears.
The council’s decision centers on a formal refusal to grant a standard lease extension for the property, which is currently set to expire on April 30, 2026.
The resolution, proposed by Cllr Clark and seconded by Cllr Nichols, outlines a strict timeline for the studio's departure. However, the council has left a narrow window for reconciliation.
The council is requesting the lessee to vacate the premises by May 30, 2026.
The "Conditional" Lifeline: If the dance studio complies with specific payment terms outlined in an email sent by the council on April 22, 2026, the OTC has expressed a willingness to reconsider. Under these circumstances, a lease extension would be granted provided the payment agreement is strictly adhered to.
Should the studio vacate in May, the council clarified that the lessee remains legally responsible for all outstanding monies owed to the town.
The move reflects the council’s growing firm stance on managing its property portfolio and ensuring taxpayer-funded assets are generating the expected revenue. While the loss of a community dance space is a sensitive issue, the council’s "carried" vote suggests a prioritised need to resolve the financial deficit.
"If the lessee vacates the premises on the 30th of May, OTC will require them to pay outstanding monies owed." Excerpt from the Council Resolution.
The ball is now in the tenant's court. The dance studio had until the end of April to confirm if they can meet the council’s repayment schedule. If they fail to comply with the terms set on April 22, the Princess Avenue site will likely see its doors close by the end of May, leaving the studio to find a new home and a way to settle their debts.
For local residents and students of the studio, the coming weeks will determine whether this long-standing community fixture can pirouette out of financial trouble or if it will be forced to take its final bow.
Minute Published by Oakham Town Council.
04/26-14 PRINCESS AVENUE DANCE STUDIO: For council to support the email sent to the Dance Studio on Wednesday 22nd April.
It was suggested that Oakham Town Council does not extend the lease which is due to expire on 30th April 2026. It was also proposed that correspondence should be sent by the office to the lessee advising that we are requesting them to vacate the premises by 30th May 2026, however if they are willing to comply with the payment terms in the email sent on the 22nd April 2026 then OTC would look to extend their lease on the condition that the payment agreement was adhered to. If the lessee vacates the premises on the 30th of May OTC will require them to pay outstanding monies owed. Proposed by Cllr Clark. Seconded by Cllr Nichols. Carried.
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