One of the benefits claimed for building the Music School on the Hereford St carpark site is the creation of a new sheltered quadrangle between the heritage buildings and the new building. The prospect of a new quadrangle has a superficial appeal until confronted with the reality of the new building which will overlook it. The watercolour which was illustrated in The Press downplays the sheer bulk of the building because it is viewed from an unnaturally high perspective. It also looks mainly towards the lower wing adjoining the Academy. The image above gives a more realistic view of how dominating the building will be.
No-one would deny that this part of the Arts Centre has suffered from lack of attention and would benefit from improved landscaping and the removal of the boiler house, but this proposal is not the correct solution. A new quadrangle would come at the expense of the popular outdoor area of Dux de Lux, which would be overwhelmed by the bulk of the new building just a few metres away and be cast into shadow when the sun is low in the sky. A building on the site would also be at the expense of the views of the heritage buildings from Hereford St.
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