Acland Burghley school is a renowned and celebrated example of Brutalist architecture in the heart of our north London community.
The Assembly Hall with its unique hexagonal design was, for many years, the jewel in the school’s crown. Uniquely designed to be a community and arts space for both students and the local community, it became known for showcasing excellence in drama, music and dance.
Now, we’re embarking on a capital appeal to fund the renovation of the Assembly Hall and bring back this very special place to the heart of our community – a Hall for All.
- Latest update
Project Evaluator
We are delighted to welcome Liza Vallance to the Hall for All Project Team! We reflect on a successful term, look forward to the next project phase and thank you for your fundraising support.
Thanks
Thank you to all of those of you who have supported our fundraising efforts this term, especially Chris and Zoe who have organised a second clothes swish in support of the Hall for All, raising an amazing £855, plus gift aid!
SeeThrough Theatre
This term we have been working with our local care homes and SeeThrough Theatre on a collaborative project bringing together older adults and young people. The regular sessions promote connection, confidence, and community pride, exploring storytelling and memory-sharing, arts and crafts inspired by culture and heritage, music, dance and rhythm activities. In April and May we will continue to work with SeeThrough Theatre to deliver more intergenerational creative sessions in our two partner care homes through more hands-on, inclusive arts activities. We will then be hosting a celebration and sharing event in June.
Progress
The technical design stage for the Hall for All project has involved developing the detail of the designs that have been agreed and approved by Camden planners so that the work can be tendered to a building contract. Reed Watts Architects led a series of briefings to re-familiarise staff, students, our Community-Led Management Board, members of the Trust and the PTA and other project partners with the designs for the Hall for All. These briefings provided opportunities to raise any questions about the proposals, or to identify anything that may have been missed.
Following the overview sessions, further meetings have taken place on particular aspects to finalise the technical design. These have been more focused alongside other members of the design team such as acousticians, service engineers and theatre consultants. We feel very positive about the progress made this term.
Previous updates
To fully restore and renovate the Assembly Hall we need to find funding from our local community and other potential donors. That’s anyone who shares our determination to bring back this visionary space and recreate a vitally needed Hall for All.
Some people will be motivated by the incredible heritage of the Brutalist architecture, both its values and design. Some will be motivated by the world-class acoustics and the pioneering residency of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at the school. But what motivates all of us is our community’s genuine need for a safe, affordable space that is open and accessible to everyone.
The clock is ticking. We are making progress towards our target of £300,000
We have some inspiring, dynamic and innovative partners behind this project and the school and students are doing all that they can. The big push now is to raise the final £300,000 from our local community. We have already raised over £187,000.
It’s a huge task, but we hope that you’ll be able to give generously. We have a number of opportunities at different levels and would love the opportunity to talk to you about how you could help fund a Hall for All.
Donor options
Hall for All Supporter – £30
- Hall for All tote bag
- news and events updates
- invitation to the school’s Creating Excellence Together event
Seat Sponsor – £20 PER MONTH
- your name will be showcased on a digital display before every performance
- go behind-the-scenes with a renovation tour
- tickets to an event hosted by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- Hall for All tote bag
Brutalist Patron – £1,000
- your name will be forever displayed on a plaque at the venue
- go behind-the-scenes with a renovation tour
- tickets to an event hosted by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- Hall for All tote bag
Stage Patron – £10,000
- exclusive opportunity of a complimentary hall rental for your own private event
- your name will be forever displayed on a plaque at the venue
- go behind-the-scenes with a renovation tour
- tickets to an event hosted by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
- Hall for All tote bag
It is also possible to donate via cheque. Please make cheques payable to: Acland Burghley Trust and send to:
Acland Burghley Trust
c/o Finance Manager
Acland Burghley School
Burghley Road
London NW5 1UJ
If you pay tax in the UK, don’t forget to download the Gift Aid form. Acland Burghley School Trust can reclaim the basic rate tax (25%) on your gift at no extra cost to you. So, if you donate £10, it’s worth £12.50 to the Trust.
Newsletter Editions
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Our door-drop campaign of letters written and produced by students was delivered to around 10,000 homes in the first week of Decemeber – thanks to all who helped despite the weather!
Credits:
- Architectural images: Reed Watts Architects
- Photography: Jasper Abbey
- Video: Schools On Screen