PHASE 2 (2015-2016)
An extremely generous pledge from the Hamish Parker Charitable Trust allowed a seamless progression to Phase 2: the creation of a new entrance for the Art School, and a striking covered atrium space between the Georgian terrace and the studio buildings. The works were delivered in two stages. The first, comprising all works at ground level, was completed during the summer break of 2015. This was followed by the installation of the new roof structure, street and garden elevations in 2016 with the new entrance opening to students, staff and visitors in January 2017.
The project transformed the arrival at the Art School and created DDA compliant, step free access route from street level off Cleaver Square into the main studios and via a ramp to the Georgian buildings at basement level. From there a lift now provides access to all ground and first floor studios, the Art School office and the Library. The new atrium has brought into use an underutilised space, doing full justice to the architectural quality of the Grade 2 listed Georgian terrace buildings seen from the rear.
In Summer 2017 further work took place in the garden area immediately adjacent to the new entrance, creating much increased outdoor terrace outside the Art School canteen and level access to the rear Stoneyard Area.
The project was also supported by grants from the Linbury Trust, HB Allen Charitable Trust, Monument Trust and Band Trust.
BEYOND PHASE 2
The Art School is in the process of reviewing the final stages of the 2008 Masterplan. This will see the re-development of the purpose built studio building at the rear of the site, including the Stoneyard area, and involve the creation of additional north-lit studio spaces, expanded workshops and communal facilities such as a large canteen, gallery and lecture space.