The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama’s provision has announced plans to go ahead with the next phase of development on its site in Swiss Cottage.

The new North Block building will improve the campus’s provisions and provide access to cutting-edge arts facilities for both students and the local community, further cementing the School’s reputation as a North London cultural hub.

GRAHAM will construct the new eight-storey building that will be connected to the existing West Block via mezzanine walkways on floors 1, 3 and 5 creating 2,400 sq m of new space.

The works will extend the school’s teaching, rehearsal and performance spaces, and will include the addition of studios with a focus on training for film/ media and a new public, courtyard theatre.

The additional space will also provide the School with opportunities to expand its youth work and to contribute more comprehensively to cultural offerings in the local area.

The new facility will be traditionally-clad and painted stucco to integrate with the surrounding architecture of the Belsize Conservation Area.

Sustainable design solutions including photovoltaic panels and natural ventilation methods will be installed to reduce the environmental impact of the running of the building.

GRAHAM Construction’s London Office Director, Rob Joyce said: “The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama’s vision to provide high quality, bespoke teaching and performance spaces that meet its students’ needs and uphold its world-leading reputation, will be further realised with this development.

“Distinctive, fit-for-purpose theatrical and performing arts facilities will integrate with local architecture and contribute to the surrounding cultural quarter, creating a long-term sustainable solution.”