Sally Ilsley, owner of The Life and Soul Academy, has spent the last two-and-a-half years fighting to buy the threatened hall, in St John's Road, from council bosses.

The building, which was used as an arts centre, was closed in 2004 by Dacorum Borough Council and protestors feared it would be sold off to property developers.

However, a proposal put forward by Miss Ilsley to transform the building into a performing arts centre was accepted.

She said: "As long as the building has got life in it that's all that I am worried about. The only point is to bring the life and soul of the building back into the community.

"We really want to deliver and surpass everyone's expectations."

The Piccotts End resident has got just weeks to transform the building, which is more than 100 years old, in time for a special launch on Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16.

The hall will be used for dance, drama and singing courses and other facilities such as summer holiday workshops for children.

There are plans to open a therapy room inside the building where a range of treatments, including Reiki, sports massage, hot stone therapy and crystal healing will be on offer. Life coaches will also be holding sessions and a juice bar will be opened.

Miss Ilsley said: "I am passionate about offering the local community a place to go to gain confidence, improve life skills, have fun and at the same time achieve."

The 26-year-old is also opening a small specialist performing arts library because she says at the moment the closest library of this kind is currently in Hatfield.

The building's old clock, once said to be the most accurate in the area, will be restored and Miss Ilsley is calling for anyone with expertise in this area to help.

As part of the launch an exhibition of people's memories of the building is being put together. The academy would like to hear from people with stories about or photos of the building.

Miss Ilsley said: "Most people in Hemel have either visited the building or have a relative who has used the building. We have got a salsa teacher here whose first kiss was in there."

The academy, which hopes to get financial support from local businesses, will be open seven days a week and there will be opportunities to hire out studio space. Miss Ilsley said: "The whole family can be catered for under one roof."

Send your stories and photos of Boxmoor Hall to TJL Marketing, Enterprise House, 5 Roundwood Lane, Harpenden, AL5 3BW or email tracy@tjlmarketing.co.uk.
To find out more about classes and the Life and Soul Academy call 01442 233050 or email info@lifeandsoulacademy.co.uk.