The Institute of Contemporary Music is breathing new life into the North West London creative community in what has been a difficult year for the live music industry. Having completed Phase 1 of the £2.5m Queen’s Park Campus. Acoustic consultant Veale Associates is supporting the university to deliver industry standard facilities dedicated to those training for a career in sound.
The first phase of the project comprised five new high-end studios, including a large live room and control room equipped with an SSL Origin 24 console for Dolby Atmos mixing and post.
Veale Associates worked with specialist suppliers including Academia to provide the equipment introducing the SSL desk in the main tracking studio, retaining an Audient Heritage ASP 8024 for the mix mastering studio and extending postproduction provision with an Avid S6, Dolby Atmos and dedicated Foley and sound replacement live room.
‘The development of the new site and facilities will allow ICMP to continue to play a leading role in producing the next generation of creative graduates,’ says ICMP Chief Executive, Paul Kirkham.
‘Flagship facilities have become increasingly important in the education sector not only to attract prospective students but also in enabling establishments to undertake profitable commercial activities,’ adds Eddie Veale, Principal of Veale Associates. ‘The facilities will give the students the same working environment that they will experience in real-world studios later in their careers. I am proud that not only did we achieve high end teaching studios but a snag free handover too, and the college is delighted with the results.’
In addition to the studios, VA designed and delivered a new main entrance, reception, gear hire and ancillary areas to complement the studio aesthetic, where light and texture plays an important role, creating an impressive and welcoming space for students and visitors.
Phase 2 of the project is set to be completed in 2022, and consists of a flexible events venue with performance space and pop-up cinema, plus a student café. The final phase in 2022/23 will see the addition of further tech suites, classrooms, tracking suites and small collaboration spaces, as well as professional services.
The overall aim of the project is to establish a vibrant creative music and arts hub, which can be used by both ICMP students and staff members, and the wider Queen’s Park community.
More: www.va-studiodesign.com
