Urdang is an established arts college in the centre of London. It occupies the Old Finsbury Town Hall building. Urdang have recently dried out the two lower level basements that have been disused and flooded for many years. There are two floors now accessible to convert for educational and community use. The Urdang aim to convert this space into a multi-use space for Music Production, Sound Recording, Rehearsal space, Social and Educational Music Hub. Aimed as community space that is attractive and specific for DJ Schools, young bands, local musicians and singers to work together, create new works and rehearse. We want the facility to be a welcoming 'go to place' for young people and musicians in the local area and surrounding boroughs. As a leading industry provider Urdang has successfully worked on many community inclusion projects. Phase two, is planned to use the Bunker as a base for outreach work to be prepared for local schools to get involved and be introduced to the hub.

What we'll deliver:

• Buy furnishings appropriate for the venue
• Buy the equipment required to be able to produce and record sound
• Renovate the empty space to be an attractive and exciting undergroud space
• To initially employ the skills of a technician to run and manage the facility

Why it's a great idea:

This space is currently disused, the creation of this specialist hub will allow Urdang College to open its doors further and extend the courses it can offer to young people and access to the community. Offering the opportunity to : Increasing skills of young people, allowing them to discover their talents and interests. Provide space for musicians and music makers to hub, work together and record their work Allow the college to offer additional funded educational opportunities and experiences to the local community, nearby schools and community groups. There are no other projects like this in the centre of London where space is at a premium. The scope is broader than the Bunker itself as it has a carefully designed outreach project to maximise the accessibility, potential and usage of the project. The Urdang Sound Bunker Project will also create additional employment and possible apprenticeship opportunities.

Steps to get it done:

The Urdang Sound Bunker will allow people to meet new people and share their passion for the creation of music and voice work. It will also allow amateurs a space to record their work that they would not otherwise be able to afford to be promoted. The Bunker will extend the ACCESS to education and inclusive skills training in the area and to the existing college students. Partnerships with local communities are also beginning to produce ideas for extended long term projects for Theatre in Education, Dance, music and singing collaboration within the community. This project will maximise precious space that would otherwise be left flooded.