Rendcomb College in Gloucestershire has started to see its brand-new Performing Arts Centre come to fruition.
Stepnell recently started work on a £2.6 million contract to construct the leading-edge facility – designed by architects Robothams and theatre consultants Charcoalblue – for the co-educational independent boarding and day school near Cirencester.
The new Centre, which will be mainly used for school productions and teaching, will feature a 350-seat auditorium, an atrium / foyer area; dance and theatre studio, teaching room and costume and prop store rooms. Its position and design have been carefully chosen to complement and respect the neighbouring listed buildings – including a Grade I listed church – and the surrounding landscape. The Centre will be built in the natural stone, which is characteristic of the local area, as well as timber, including external red cedar cladding, and glass. A living sedum ‘green’ roof will deliver improved thermal performance and promote biodiversity, providing a habitat for wildlife such as bees, butterflies and insects.
The building is expected to be complete in August 2016.
Artist’s impression of the interior of the new Performing Arts Centre at Rendcomb College. Images courtesy of architects Robothams
Rob Jones, headmaster of Rendcomb, comments: “This building will be a fitting centrepiece to the school as we approach our centenary, and will enhance the lives and educational opportunities for all our pupils.”
Stepnell director, Richard Wakeford, adds: “Our team is delighted to have been chosen for this project which will create a truly outstanding creative space for drama and musical theatre performances at Rendcomb. Our strong track record in the education sector has involved the successful delivery of a wide range of performing arts facilities as well as significant experience of dealing with the challenges brought by working in ‘live’ school environments. We are very excited to be starting construction on this fantastic new venue.” Stepnell is committed to working with respect and consideration for the local community, its workforce and the environment, throughout the project.
