A creative arts college is a step closer to transforming neighbouring commercial premises into film and theatre studios after securing initial council approval, allowing it to admit up to 200 students.
Islington Council granted initial permission on 19 October for the proposed educational use of new units which would double the current premises of Bodens College of Creative Arts from three to six.
The registered charity, which provides free full-time training to more than 130 students, plans to develop a production centre featuring film and recording studios, a media suite and theatre production facilities.
Managing Director Katie McCutcheon said the expansion would support a production course launched this year, teaching cinematography, lighting, sound and post-production alongside the college’s existing drama programmes.
The development aims to bring the different elements of theatre and filmmaking under one roof, offering students opportunities both onstage and behind the camera.
McCutcheon said the “skills you get in the arts are so transferable”, pointing out communication and organisational skills are useful well beyond the creative industries.
Around 800 people applied to the college in the past year. McCutcheon said the expanded college could accommodate up to 200 students.
However, keeping arts education accessible comes at a cost. McCutcheon said that the “biggest challenge” was obtaining grants and funding, with the college providing 30 hours of teaching a week despite receiving funding for only 16.
Bodens secured the equivalent planning approvals for its existing premises on Blenheim Court, Brewery Road, in 2023.
The college must now secure further approval covering transport, noise and contamination impacts, with McCutcheon estimating the process to take around 12 weeks.
James is an MA Journalism student at City St George's, University of London. He has had words in The Mancunion and The Manchester Historian (The University of Manchester), covering arts and culture.