New music school in Brierley Hill set to open in 2020
A new music institute in Dudley could be opening to 600 students by 2020, under new plans.
The Cable Plaza, at the Waterfront Business Park, will be converted into a state-of-the-art music centre called Resonance.
It will include recording studios, practice rooms, teaching facilities and production suites. The venture is being supported by funding from the Black Country LEP which has approved a grant for £7.16 million and financial support from Unity Trust Bank, Dudley Council and Nesta's Art Impact Fund.
Bosses said the facility aims to be a world-class provider in music education with degree level courses available in music performance and production, composition, live sound, management and more.
The lease on Cable Plaza has been transferred and they are now looking to appoint a contractor to covert the building.
David Barnard, co-director of Resonance, said: "All being well, we will be ready to move in at the end of the year – that’s when the fun starts. It has taken us a while to get here, but we are now on our way.
“Students coming to Resonance will be taught by some of the best minds in the music industry. We will be offering students an apprenticeship-style degree, blending technical and practical skills and personal development with academic rigour and research.”
Stewart Towe, chairman of Black Country LEP, said: “We are delighted to support Resonance. It’s a fantastic initiative and is very much part of our remit to facilitate growth and regeneration in the Black Country."
Khurshid Ahmed, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, planning and economic investment, added: “Bringing hundreds of students to the area will result in a massive boost for the local and regional economy as a whole. It is fantastic news.”
