The £22.5m project saw construction of a 450 seat concert hall and 160 seat courtyard theatre with a new public foyer for the Royal Welsh College. It provides a suite of rehearsal, performance and exhibition facilities for musicians, actors, theatre designers and stage managers and will host renowned events for the College which counts Sir Anthony Hopkins, Rob Brydon, Ruth Jones and Eve Myles among its alumni.

Neal Stephens, managing director of Willmott Dixon in Wales, said, “This was a fantastic development that will herald a new era for the Royal Welsh College, helped by a landmark building that has a strong visual impact across the north of Cardiff.

“As it will attract attention from across the world, it was important the College development was striking and can provide a perfect acoustic environment for the many performances it will stage. Its importance to the local economy is huge, attracting both students and tourists to Cardiff.

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is the National Conservatoire of Wales, one of nine UK Conservatoires as well as one of the UK’s leading Drama Schools. It provides specialist practical and performance-based training for aspiring and practicing professionals in music, theatre and related professions. Fellows of the College include Bryn Terfel, Michael Sheen and Quincy Jones.

Hilary Boulding, principal at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, said, “Offering world-class facilities in such a stunning location will allow us to continue to attract leading international arts practitioners to work here, and to increase national and international recognition for Cardiff as a home of world class artistic training. They will also significantly enhance opportunities for audiences in the city and region of Cardiff, and for the many professional and community groups that contribute to Cardiff’s vibrant cultural life.”

The college hosts more than 300 public events a year: from theatre, opera, musicals and orchestral concerts to puppetry, design and fashion shows.

The new development is a stone’s throw from Cathays Park within which Willmott Dixon constructed the historic City Hall, the Law Courts, Cardiff University and the War Memorial.

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For further information, please contact:
Andrew Geldard, Group Communications, Willmott Dixon.
Tel: (01462) 671852
e-mail:andrew.geldard@willmottdixon.co.uk
Website: www.willmottdixon.co.uk