J Star Academy locked out of studio amid rent dispute as parents and donors demand clarity

Prestwich community shocked after landlord changes locks on performing arts academy despite crowdfunder effort to save space.

A Prestwich performing arts academy has been evicted from its premises after the landlord reportedly changed the locks, prompting concern and confusion among parents and members of the local arts community.

J Star Academy of Performing Arts, a popular tuition space for young performers, was locked out of its studio days after raising over £5,000 via an online crowdfunding campaign intended to secure its future. The campaign stated that the funds were urgently needed after the landlord issued a sudden demand for an upfront payment, despite an existing payment plan previously being agreed.

Jaynie, the founder of J Star Academy, posted publicly on the group’s official Facebook page:

“The Crowdfunder was created genuinely and urgently, to try and save our studio space for the children… a payment plan had already been agreed, but after I requested some changes to the lease to secure our long-term future, a new lump sum demand was introduced.”

She claimed that while she had agreed to the lump sum in good faith and was waiting for the crowdfunding payout to land, the landlord proceeded to change the locks “with no formal notice” and before any money had been transferred.

“No money has been spent,” she said, adding that the funds would instead be used to help J Star relocate and ensure continuity for the children. The upcoming student show, due to take place in six weeks, is still going ahead, according to her statement.

However, the situation has sparked heated discussion on social media, with differing accounts emerging from parents and local residents.

Multiple commenters have alleged that the eviction followed months of unpaid rent, not just a sudden change in terms. Some have claimed the total arrears exceeded £10,000 and that the crowdfunding campaign failed to make this clear. Others accused the academy of subletting part of the property without the landlord’s consent, which may have contributed to the breakdown in the relationship.

One user wrote:

“The landlord is owed a LOT of money. She has taken advantage of his kind nature and hasn’t been paying rent for months.”

Another added:

“She’s deleted the original post off her page now. The public deserve honesty, this was debt, not a last-minute lease change.”

J Star has since confirmed via social media that all crowdfunding donors have been emailed directly. A follow-up message read:

“Don’t worry, J Star is still here and the show is still going on in December. Thank you for your support.”

The Crowdfunder remains live at the time of writing, though the original campaign description has not been updated to reflect the eviction or claims of rent arrears.

Some parents who donated have expressed support and understanding, while others have said they feel misled and want greater transparency on how funds will now be used.

No public statement has been made by the landlord at this stage, and J Star has not responded to calls for clarification on the alleged rent arrears.

J Star Academy has operated for several years, offering performing arts classes to children and young people. It has been praised locally for building confidence and creativity in young performers, many of whom have shared their heartbreak at the sudden change.

With a Christmas showcase still scheduled to take place and a loyal base of students and families hoping for a resolution, questions remain over what really led to the eviction, and how trust can be rebuilt.

In a letter to parents, J Star said;

Speaking to Roch Valley Radio, Jaynie said;

I wanted to respond openly to the recent article and some of the online comments that have followed.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve done everything in my power to save our studio, not for me personally, but for the children and families who rely on it as a space of joy, confidence and creativity. When the landlord unexpectedly requested a lump sum of £5,000, I was left with no choice but to reach out and ask for help. I was completely transparent about the Crowdfunder, its purpose, and the urgency.

Thanks to the kindness of so many, we raised the funds to meet that request, but before the money could be paid out (as Crowdfunder takes 7–14 days to release funds), I was locked out of the building without notice. Our classes and children’s show were still scheduled, and the timing and nature of this action came as a shock.

I’ve never misled anyone. I’ve never claimed the money was for a “lease renewal”, only that it was the amount requested in order to stay in our space. Not a single penny has been touched, and the funds will be used exactly as promised: to secure a new venue for our children if we are not reinstated.

Some of the online comments have been cruel and deeply personal. I understand emotions are high, this has affected a lot of people, but I’m a single mum trying to do the right thing under impossible circumstances. I have nothing to hide and am focusing on protecting the children, our team, and this academy we’ve built with love.

Our show will still go ahead in six weeks, and I am more committed than ever to keeping the magic alive for the families who believe in what we do.

Thank you so much to everyone who has shown support. It has meant more than you’ll ever know.

With love,

The landlord could not be reached for comment before publication.

If you have any comments or information to provide to this developing story, please email newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com