Guildhall School's expansion gains approval from the City of London Corporation

The Guildhall School’s redevelopment of the site of Milton Court has been granted planning permission by the City of London Corporation.

The decision will enable the provision of additional world-class performance facilities for the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the project is due to be completed in 2012.

Developer Heron International, a leading pan European investment and property group with operations in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, has been working closely with the City, the Guildhall School and local residents for over a year.

The new school building will house exceptional new performance facilities: a 609-seat concert hall, 225-seat training theatre, a studio theatre, and space for teaching, office and support services.

The Guildhall School is pleased that Heron and the City of London Corporation are foundation donors and is preparing to launch a Capital fundraising appeal in support of world-class facilities in the new building.

The estimated cost of this ambitious plan is £90M. The School's capital campaign target is in the region of £13.5M which represents the funding gap after the major contributions by the developer Heron and the City of London.

The proposals also bring forward significant investment to improve the streetscape around the Milton Court site which will enhance the street environment for those who live in, work or visit the new development.

Professor Barry Ife CBE, Principal of the Guildhall School, said:

“I am delighted at this decision. The Guildhall School can now look forward to an even brighter future and will have world-class facilities to train the most talented performers for the stage and concert platform.”

Gerald Ronson, Chief Executive of Heron International, said:

“Heron International is proud of its reputation for achieving high quality buildings that fit in and serve their communities. The City of London and Guildhall School of Music & Drama have been great partners with us in delivering this innovative scheme.”

Michael Snyder, Policy Chairman at the City of London, said:

“This approval now enables the renowned Guildhall School to have facilities that match its vision and talent. The City of London is pleased to be working with Heron which has been a great partner and supporter of the City.”

- Ends

Notes to Editors:
• Publication imagery is available via Four Communications
• Heron International is a leading pan European investment and property group with operations in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Headquartered in London, it is one of the Europe’s main property developers and investors.
• Since it was founded in 1965 Heron International has developed more than 150 buildings in the key business areas of nine European cities and the development, investment and management of a wide range of prime offices, residential, leisure, hotels and mixed-use projects in the UK and Europe.
• It has developed more than 1 million sq m of commercial and retail property and more than 15,000 residential units in the UK, continental Europe and the USA.
• Further information about the company can be found at: www.heroninternational.co.uk

About the City of London Corporation: The City of London provides local government services for the Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business City as the world's leading international financial and business centre through its policies and services. Its promotional work supports the City’s international business community, helping to develop business opportunities for it and establishing contacts with decision-makers and people of influence worldwide. Its responsibilities also extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of the Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, 10,000 acres of open space including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest, three wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port Health Authority. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama
The Guildhall School is distinctive in being the only major European conservatoire which is both a music school and a drama school, and one which is pre-eminent in technical theatre, professional development and music therapy.
Since its founding in 1880, the Guildhall School has stood as a vibrant showcase of the City of London’s commitment to education and the arts. Situated in the heart of the City, the School moved to its present premises in the Barbican in 1977 solidifying a unique link with both Europe’s largest arts and conference centre, including the Barbican Hall and the Pit Theatre, and the world-class London Symphony Orchestra.
The School currently numbers just over 800 students on its roll call, approximately 700 of whom are undergraduate and postgraduate music students.

Some of the School’s alumni include Dame Eileen Atkins, Honor Blackman, Claire Bloom, Orlando Bloom, Susan Chilcott, Daniel Craig, Joseph Fiennes, Sir James Galway, Sarah Lancashire, Paul Lewis, Tasmin Little, Sir George Martin, Alistair McGowan, Ewan McGregor, Julia McKenzie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Rachel Podger, Rebecca de Pont Davies, Jacqueline du Pré, William Primrose, Patricia Rozario, Simon Russell Beale, Bryn Terfel, Marcia Warren, and Janice Watson.

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is provided by the City of London Corporation.

Enquiries to:
Dvora Lewis Public Relations
020 7435 9257; dlpr@dvoralewis.com

Deborah MacCallum
Director of Corporate and Student Services
Guildhall School
020 7382 7117; deborah.maccallum@gsmd.ac.uk

This story was updated on 12 November 2008.