Making Space for Music in South East London - A Landmark Building for Local People

“As a neighbour of JAGS for almost 25 years, who enjoys choral singing and concert-going, I would welcome a Community Music Centre as a long-overdue facility in the area.” (A neighbour of the school)

A design competition managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has been completed. The winning practice – Rick Mather Architects (www.rickmather.com) – has undertaken a Feasibility Study and we have been engaged in the pre-planning stage with Southwark Council Planning Department for some time.

The proposed new James Allen’s Community Music Centre will provide a much needed first-class facility where local people of all ages and backgrounds, and all levels of musical experience, can enjoy making and listening to music. The state-of-the-art landmark building will include: a 400+ seat Concert Hall, with flexible staging and seating a 100 seat Recital Hall music technology and recording studios teaching and rehearsal rooms music therapy room 26 practice rooms (some group, some individual) listening room music library foyer space.

The proposed James Allen’s Community Music Centre

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 was 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.

         Connectivity of the site with rail and bus routes                               Proposed parking - event use
         The number 37 bus stops directly outside JAGS

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.

---