Pupils at Strathallan are about to enjoy a brand new £1.2m dance
and drama studio after an eight-month construction project at the prestigious
Perthshire school.
The building is part of a major £18.2m investment programme and
provides 150 square metres of studio space – large enough for 30 pupils. It
also adds a staff office, changing rooms and toilets. The official handover
from the builders to the school took place last week.
Constructed by Renfrew-based Thomas Johnstone Ltd, the dance and drama studio features a curved
roof, timber cladding and a mix of LED lights and natural light. It will be
used as a rehearsal and workshop space and will be a permanent home for students
of ballet, Highland and contemporary dance. Audiovisual equipment will allow
students to reflect on their learning.
Mary Robertson-Barnett, who is in charge of expressive arts at
Strathallan, commented:
“To have a space dedicated to the performing arts is an
enormous privilege. Our strategy has always been to develop triple threat
performers and having this facility will allow this to gain momentum.
We can’t wait for our students to make maximum use of the
new space, and continue with our reputation as a home for excellence in
performing arts. “
The studio is joined to the Wilson Hall, a £1.4m
multi-sports arena which contains a flexible space the size of three tennis or
netball courts and banked seating for 219 spectators. Together they form Phases
2 and 3 of Strathallan’s Centenary Project and will serve to cement the school
as not only a top academic institution but also a school with state-of-the-art
facilities.
Anthony Glasgow, Bursar at Strathallan, commented:
“This is the latest stage of a major investment programme
which has seen £18.2m invested in the school over the last 15 years. It
provides facilities to develop drama and dance, which are increasingly popular
activities at Strathallan, and means we are exceptionally well-equipped to
cater for the needs of our pupils going forward.”
For further information about Strathallan School, visit www.strathallan.co.uk