New plans have been unveiled for a concert hall in the old Royal High School in Edinburgh.
The Royal High School Preservation Trust, which hopes to move St Mary’s Music School into the historic Thomas Hamilton building on Calton Hill, will submit its detailed planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council later this week.
Central to the new proposals, funded by the philanthropic Dunard Fund, is the creation of three new public performance spaces, including a 300-seat concert hall in the former debating chamber, providing the music school the opportunity to build its unique status nationally and internationally, while allowing many more people access to this unique piece of Scotland’s heritage.
A new foyer will be created beneath the concert hall for ticketing, bar and cloakrooms.
When not in use by the public, this can also serve as a multi-function space for the school, avoiding the need to constantly re-configure the main hall.
The concert hall will be fitted with hydraulic seating to achieve a range of configurations for full orchestral performances through to more intimate recitals.
William Gray Muir, chairman of The Royal High School Preservation Trust, said: "The Trust believes that the former Royal High School should return to its rightful position at the cultural heart of Edinburgh and we are simply delighted with the designs prepared by Richard Murphy Architects.
"These not only give us three new public performance spaces and a state-of-the-art new home for St Mary’s Music School but they also ensure that the building’s dramatic setting is both protected and enhanced.
“Our plans are focused on both preserving this exceptional building while bringing forward progressive, innovative designs to give it a modern and sustainable use.”
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