DPP has submitted a planning application for new educational and performance space revitalising Cardiff’s Old Library.
Acting on behalf of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, DPP have submitted a planning application which will deliver new practise and performance space for the college in the heart of the city centre. The exciting scheme will return the Old Library located on The Hayes to a focal point within Cardiff city centre whilst revitalising the building by restoring it and showcasing its original features.
The scheme will increase the physical connection between performances and the city, enhancing accessibility to the work of the students at the Royal Welsh College. The addition of high quality, accessible performance space will also promote the vitality and viability of the city centre by adding a vibrant cultural activity to an underutilised and beautiful building.
Designed by Flanagan Lawrence Architects and project managed by AECOM, the proposal will see the restoration of the building closer to its original historical character. This includes reopening an aperture in the second-floor ceiling to the install a roof lantern, or ‘Oculus’. This will provide volume in the space for acoustic enhancement to enable better performance quality. The scheme will also see the removal of the existing ‘glass box’ which covers the entrance on the eastern side of the building’s façade, whilst the current access ramps and stairs will be replaced with a space which can be utilised for external performances.
Speaking about the project, Thomas Quille, Senior Planner at DPP, said:
DPP are delighted to have been involved in the planning application for this amazing project, that will deliver much improved educational and performance facilities for the college in the heart of Cardiff. This scheme provides a great opportunity to better utilise a prominent and attractive building, creating an enhanced learning environment for students whilst also making a valuable contribution towards the local community by increasing the physical connection between performances and the city.
Images: Flanagan Lawrence Architects
