The £4 million Briggait Creation Centre will give Glasgow its first dedicated public base for dance and Scotland’s first purpose built accessible space for disabled dancers. It is also Scotland’s first home for the rapidly growing physical performance sector – which includes circus, street theatre, flying trapeze and other aerial skills.

Audrey Carlin, executive director for business development at Wasps, said: “This is a project of huge value to the future of the arts in Scotland. We are extremely pleased to have architects on board who have such a clear commitment to the project and a sense of excitement about what can be achieved.

“We are providing professional and amateur artists and performers with an amazing new centre where they can come together to work, rehearse, hold classes, plan collaborations and perform shows.

“At the same time the project will ensure that one of Glasgow’s most important historic buildings is sensitively redeveloped to give it a sustainable future and to contribute further to the regeneration of the Clyde waterfront and Merchant City.”

The Briggait Creation Centre will include 12,000 square foot in areas which date from 1889 and 1904 as well as a gap site currently used for parking and deliveries. One of the main external changes will be a new entrance facing the river.

Inside there will be:

• Six dance/physical performance studios from 1,200 sq ft to 5,000 sq ft

• Scotland’s first dedicated workspace for physical performance

• Scotland’s first space specially equipped for flying trapeze

• A new public dance facility for Glasgow

• Exemplar inclusive studio and changing facilities for disabled users

• A social enterprise café creating employment for people with learning and physical disabilities.

Collective Architecture has an established track record in community, residential and commercial buildings and growing expertise in cultural and conservation work.

They also have previous experience working with Wasps in the Briggait through a temporary commission called The Empire Café, which took place during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Jude Barber, project director for Collective Architecture, said: “Our practice has great admiration for Wasps, their partners and the work they do. We are familiar with the wonderful Briggait building, which involves many exciting opportunities and challenges. To have the opportunity to develop a major cultural centre within such a splendid historical setting overlooking the River Clyde is incredibly special.

“Our team has only just commenced work on the project, but we are really looking forward to immersing ourselves in the process with the consultant team at Arup. Our practice has all the necessary skills and expertise and this firmly establishes us in the arts and cultural sector.”

Project Architect Ewan Imrie will lead the Briggait team, which includes Arup Scotland, Atelier Ten and New Acoustics, with Collective Architecture conservation architect Gerry Hogan.

Collective Architects are currently on site with another significant cultural project, the Glasgow Women’s Library in nearby Bridgeton, which is shortly due for completion.