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 £2.5 million Queen’s Park Campus development, Veale Associates is supporting the University to remain on track to deliver industry standard facilities dedicated to those training for a career in sound.

Phase 1of the project comprised of five new high-end studios including a large Live Room with Control Room fitted out with SSL Origin 24, a Dolby Atmos Mixing and Post Studio. Acoustic Consultancy Veale Associates worked with specialist suppliers including Academia to provide the equipment introducing an SSL Origin desk in the main tracking studio, retaining an Audient Heritage ASP 8024 for their Mix Mastering Studio and extending their post-production provision with an Avid S6, Dolby Atmos and dedicated Foley and sound replacement live room.

ICMP’s Chief Executive, Paul Kirkham said “The development of the new site and the cutting-edge facilities will allow ICMP to continue to play a leading role in producing the next generation of creative graduates.”

“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” said 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 state of the art studios, VA designed and delivered a new Main Entrance, Reception, Gear Hire and ancillary areas to compliment the studio aesthetic where light and texture plays an important role, creating an impressive and welcoming space for students and visitors.

Phase two of the project will be completed in 2022, consisting 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 launch of further tech suites, classrooms, tracking suites and small collaboration spaces, as well as professional services.

The overall aim for 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.

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