An integral part of Hull’s Music Service, the new Albermarle Music Centre reportedly had to be provided by the developers in order for them to secure the contract for the main development. “They were only obliged to provide like-for-life for the new music centre, but instead they have provided much more in terms of room numbers and sizes and suitability for the purpose it will be put to,” said Music Service head Chris Maynard. “For example, the main auditorium now has raked audience seating, [and] the large rehearsal room is sufficient in size to hold an ensemble of 50 players while also providing space for our large double Gamelan – this was not possible in our old building. The additional classrooms in the new centre allow us to hold more activities and so increase the range of opportunities for the schools and the wider community.”
The Albemarle has already been used by outside agencies ranging from Indian Dance workshops to a ‘City Build’ steering group.
“The Albermarle was a particularly challenging project as the building shape and construction was not typical for a performance space,” Munro Acoustics’ Andy Munro told II. “We had to evolve some lightweight, double-skin walling systems for the conic drum shaped building, and all the adjacent practice and teaching rooms needed careful isolation. There were some fairly lively discussions with the developers and project management team responsible for the huge leisure and shopping complex but the architects, HMA, were very supportive. The end result is an excellent facility with good acoustics and that’s great for the aspiring (and accomplished) musicians in Hull.”
