In an exciting turn of events for the local community, Stoked Academy Ltd is on a mission to transform a former hair salon into a lively music academy in Stockton. The vision for this new space includes offerings such as acting, singing, dancing lessons, film-making, and podcast recording at the former Total Hair & Beauty salon located on Middlesbrough Road.

We had the opportunity to talk with Fahim Farooqui, an agent from Total Planning Solutions, to get the inside scoop on the plans. Farooqui shared that the music academy will employ up to five full-time staff members and has already registered more than 40 students, with many others on a waiting list. “The applicant brings two decades of teaching experience and has worked in various locations across the borough,” he noted. This will mark the applicant’s first permanent facility.

Farooqui also mentioned that the academy intends to work closely with the Total Fitness gym situated on the same site. He emphasized the potential financial benefits this collaboration could bring, capitalizing on foot traffic from gym members and parents visiting a nearby nursery. “Parents could make use of the music academy’s resources while they enjoy the gym and crèche services,” he suggested. “This integrated approach could bolster the sustainability of both the academy and the gym, especially given the current economic climate.”

The proposed hours for the academy will align with those of the gym, operating daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, which aims to provide convenience for both students and parents.

As the community awaits the council’s decision on this exciting project, it seems Stoked Academy Ltd is poised to make a meaningful contribution to Stockton. For the latest updates, you can follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram, and don’t hesitate to send your story ideas to [email protected].