THE Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has been allocated £2.8 million by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to significantly transform its teaching, learning and performance facilities.
With a performance programme offering in excess of 450 public concerts and events each year, it has also been recently recognised as the busiest performance venue in the North West and seventh busiest in the UK.
The grant, from HEFCE’s Catalyst Fund, will substantially aid a major £6 million project established by the Manchester-based College to further enhance the student experience and broaden its artistic offering.
Commencing in January 2014, the eight month scheme will involve the reconfiguration of old, and creation of new, spaces to accommodate the diverse teaching, study, rehearsal and performance activities that are demanded in the 21st century.
Incorporated in the plans is a complete redevelopment of the RNCM Concert Hall, now 40 years old, to include a new air-conditioning and heating system, new flooring and seating, advanced technical facilities and lighting, in addition to a balcony and raised floor area to considerably increase capacity. The backstage production areas of both the Concert Hall and RNCM Theatre will also be reconfigured to support increased student numbers and provide a professional learning environment at industry standard.
Established in 1973, the RNCM is a world-leading conservatoire, providing exceptional specialised teaching in music. With a performance programme offering in excess of 450 public concerts and events each year, it has also been recently recognised as the busiest performance venue in the North West and seventh busiest in the UK.
