23.02.2018
ArtsEd produces world-class talent in acting and musical theatre and houses a thriving and successful independent Day School and Sixth Form. We now need to develop our Bath Road facilities to create much needed new studio, rehearsal and teaching spaces, to inspire students and staff alike. The project will cover all aspects of ArtsEd’s provision and will see significant improvements in the Day School and Sixth Form facilities as well as those of the Schools of Acting and Musical Theatre.
ArtsEd moved into Cone Ripman House in 1985, which was built for Chiswick Polytechnic in the 1950s and adapted for the Schools’ use on arrival. Three decades on, the building is in need of significant refurbishment and reorganisation. We are currently at the planning stage and have started consultations with our staff, students and neighbours to provide the best space for all concerned.
Principal, Chris Hocking says:
“Our goal is straightforward, to provide our students with facilities that match the exceptional quality of our teaching, ensuring that future generations continue to leave ArtsEd as outstandingly confident and creative young performers.”
The full build plan and timings are yet to be confirmed but, once on site, construction should be completed within a year. As with any major building project, there will be a long lead time before any substantial work begins, with the earliest start date being summer 2019.
The timing of all the building work is being carefully planned in order to minimise the impact on pupils’ day to day school life. In addition to scheduling major work during key holidays, the proposals include temporary changes to the existing buildings to reduce any noise and disruption during the construction process.
The proposals, from leading architects De Matos Ryan, make innovative use of the tight urban site, optimising the use of the existing buildings and unlocking the potential of empty courtyard space.
ArtsEd submitted the formal Planning Application to Hounslow Borough in early February. During the public consultation period in early March, members of the public are invited to two open exhibitions of the plans – Monday 5 March and Tuesday 6 March, 4-7pm.