The Proposed New Building
"I direct a choir which has already outgrown two rehearsal spaces...any concert hall, within a radius of five miles, with an audience capacity of 350 or more and a large, well-designed performance area would be a welcome facility...there is such a lack of well-designed performance spaces in South East London." (A local freelance music teacher)
A design competition managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been completed. The winning practice - Rick Mather Architects (www.rickmather.com) - is currently undertaking a Feasibility Study to identify the most appropriate way forward. An indication of the possible building design will soon be available online.
The proposed James Allen's Community Music Centre
Within the new James Allen’s Community Music Centre we plan to provide modern facilities including:
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A 350+ seat Concert Hall A 100 seat Recital Hall Two professional standard Recording studios Three Computer/Music Technology Suites Four Rehearsal/Teaching & Music Therapy Rooms A Listening Room 30 Private Tuition/Individual Practice Rooms (many large enough for Chamber Music groups)
The new Centre will have easy access for both School and the local community with adjacent bicycle and car parking facilities and in an area close to bus stops, a London cycle path and North Dulwich station. It is a part of the brief that the building design should take due note of all related environmental issues, incorporate energy efficient technologies, and minimise maintenance costs.
It is the intention that, as a community resource, all potential users, no matter what their disability, ages or gender, will be able to enter the site, move around the immediate area, enter and use the facilities. |
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The Current Facilities
JAGS current music facilities are increasingly being used by local, regional and national groups and organisations for auditions, rehearsals and performances. However, the current facilities consist of a converted sports pavilion, refurbished former garages and various types of temporary accommodation. These have poor sound insulation and acoustics, lack space for proper orchestra or ensemble practice and performance and are in wide-spread, difficult to access locations across our site. The new building is greatly needed.