16th April 2015

Planning consent secured for Bristol Grammar School’s Performing Arts Centre

Alder King Planning Consultants have successfully obtained planning permission for Bristol Grammar School’s new Performing Arts Centre.

The project features a new build theatre and the refurbishment of the Elton Road building and the Mackay theatre to provide an outstanding new integrated facility for Music, Drama and Dance, whilst at the same time enhancing teaching accommodation for History, Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.

Alder King worked closely with the School, architects AWW and project managers Ridge & Partners, together with the technical support team, to conceive the location and design for the building.

The new Performing Arts Centre will sit on the school’s main site, adjacent to the existing Lodge on the corner of Elton Road and Elmdale Road.  Its location within a Conservation Area and historic park and garden meant design quality was fundamental to the success of the project.

Alder King was responsible for the co-ordination of the planning process and was involved in the consultation process prior to submission and design reviews with the LPA and Bristol Urban Design Forum.  It also successfully negotiated the scheme design led by AWW and the removal of pre-commencement conditions to allow works to start during school holidays.

Alder King is now appointed to discharge planning conditions working alongside the project managers, Ridge & Partners and technical team.

Alan Pearce, partner at Alder King, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this exciting project for Bristol Grammar School and extremely pleased with the outcome. The design has been carefully considered to ensure it meets the brief whilst also respecting the sensitive location of this site in the Conservation Area. The process has been really positive working closely with Bristol City Council and stakeholders. The new building will be an excellent facility for BGS and the Bristol performing arts fraternity.”

Rod MacKinnon, headmaster at Bristol Grammar School, said: “I am delighted that the School has received planning approval for the Performing Arts Centre and would like to thank Alder King, AWW Architects and our other advisers for their hard work and professionalism.

“I would also like to thank a number of other stakeholders for their support and constructive comments.  The new Performing Arts Centre will complement the excellent facilities BGS already has to offer our students.”

Ian Jenkins, director of architectural practice AWW: “It has been a delight working with BGS and the team to gain this wonderful planning permission for the new performing arts building on Elton Road, Clifton. We worked very closely with all stakeholders, including Bristol City Council planning department, and look forward to further collaboration in completing this new jewel on the Clifton sky line.”