If the application is given the go-ahead, a former caretaker’s lodge will be pulled down to make way for the department, which would be used by pupils at JCG and JC Prep.
JCG said that since the introduction of an in-house instrumental tuition programme in 2009 as well as an increase in extra-curricular tuition, there has been a ‘significant’ rise in the number of students studying music.
A design statement submitted as part of the application states: ‘This has, of course, put pressure on our existing facilities which were not designed for the numbers of students that are now involved on a daily basis.’
It adds that due to the lack of space, pupils have to use corridors and cupboards within the department to practise.
Currently there are five practice rooms but the statement says at least two more are needed.
And a bandroom, which was originally designed for about 45 students, needs to be increased by at least 50 per cent, the application said.
Meanwhile, there are no designated practice rooms within JC Prep, which the design statement said ‘limits the amount of instrumental lessons available to the students’.
The design statement added: ‘In addition, the development would also provide teaching facilities for the Jersey Music Service and other outside agencies, including the conducting of instrumental and vocal examinations.’
According to a letter submitted by Andrew Harvey Architects, which has designed the centre, the firm had undertaken a comprehensive study of the JCG campus to find a suitable place for the development.
It added there was ‘very little potential for further development within their site area’.
However, the former caretaker’s lodge – Claremont Lodge – is no longer occupied and due to the poor condition of the interior needed a ‘significant’ amount of work.
The application added that the lodge was located close to both JCG and JC Prep which would allow the building to be shared between the two schools.
And it said if the proposal is given the go ahead JCG would benefit from additional space on its site while JC Prep would gain space within its existing building enabling it to upgrade its staff facilities.
