The Royal Academy of Music is one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected conservatoires. The estate comprises of 4 buildings with the main building being an imposing listed property, built in 1911, with 5 floors and more than 125 rooms. Di Thorpe, Head of Estates at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) first encountered Active at her previous commercial role with the Hearst Group, where Active had very successfully managed a major inner London relocation and refurbishment project for the media company.
Every organisation will rely on a variety of functions and services to provide support to its core business operations – facility management ensures that the right support is available at the right quality and the right cost. At its core, a facilities management company will oversee everything that keeps an organisation running.
Facilities management is important because it ensures a safe and comfortable work environment for employees and students.
Any good working environment should be shaped around the people who work there – making them feel well, energised, productive and enthusiastic about their work. It should make students want to come to learn, perform and grow once they’re there – ideal for students at one of the world’s most prestigious music academies.
Active has worked with the RAM for the past 12 months, during this time it’s portfolio of services is as diverse as it is broad. At Active, we work in partnership and our team is very much seen as part of the Academy’s support infrastructure. No task is too big nor too small. We are reactive and proactive!
Benefit and Result
Everything from refurbishment of Master Classrooms, to space planning and utilisation, to feasibility studies to turn 3 Academy concert halls into future-proofed tech laden spaces where recording and streaming of performances can take place. To crafting sash secondary glazing in keeping with its Grade II listing to minimise the noise bleed from the Marylebone Road, and most recently a £100k refurbishment of a 2-bed Flat on their York Gate footprint.
Other projects include minor works such as moves and changes, supplying new furniture and sourcing all manner of product to support the business. In addition, we have carried out full M&E and Structural surveys across the Estate to create an up-to-date CAD library which will assist as build projects move forward.
Di Thorpe, Head of Estates appreciates that she has one point of contact, no matter what the ask. Di has limited resources and looks to Active to provide an all-round support package. Active forges long lasting working relationships through mutual understanding and trust. Spend with the Academy is upwards of £250k with potential projects in the pipeline totalling in excess of circa £2m.
