Vancouver city council has confirmed that four arts groups will lease cultural amenity space in the Woodward’s building.

In a vote Wednesday (October 1), council unanimously approved Kokoro Dance, Vancouver International Dance Festival, Vancouver Moving Theatre, and Raven Spirit Dance as tenants for the facility, which includes second-floor offices, in addition to main floor and basement areas that will be used as rehearsal and production space.

The studios will also be available for rentals from other arts groups.

In an interview with the Straight last week, Kokoro Dance executive director Jay Hirabayashi said the group has been hoping to find a permanent home "for the last 28 years". The group currently rents studio space.

Renovations to the basement and the former café on the main floor could take up to a year, but the groups are expected to begin occupancy of the city-owned facility in January.

The cultural amenity space consists of more than 7,000 square feet over three floors.