This retrofit project transformed an office building into the new Shireland CBSO Academy, the first free, non-selective state school in the UK to be established in partnership with a professional orchestra.
The Academy accommodates the main teaching areas for the new secondary school and sixth form, alongside a new sports building on an adjacent road. Our design concept reflects the School’s vision and puts performance and learning at the centre of the new school. We located a triple-height performance hall in the existing central atrium with acoustics optimised to meet the requirements of a traditional orchestra space.
The external design of the new sports block is influenced by the existing main building, with red and grey cladding creating a visual connection between the two sites. The building includes a multi-purpose activity studio and a large sports hall with three badminton courts, alongside changing rooms, WC and shower facilities.
Claire Mantle, Schools Sector Director commented:
We are honoured to be part of such a truly inspirational project. The project was driven by a vision for equal opportunities for every child, no matter where they are from, and as a team we were all excited to be behind delivering this amazing music school.
This project was featured in the AJ’s First Look feature: ADP retrofits West Midlands office building into music school (architectsjournal.co.uk)
Written by:
Schools Sector Director
Claire Mantle
