News / Education
New £5m Access Creative College campus opens
Against a bright green backdrop within the new £5m Access Creative College campus, a small group of people play with the “invisibility cloak” technology.
The big screen before them shows the effective tools in action – just one example of the possibilities available in the state-of-the-art games and media centre, where creativity is key.
Testing out thew new green screen room
Access Creative College has new state-of-the-art technology
Formerly known as Access to Music, the college rebranded in 2017 to better reflect its wider offering for students, and the opening of vibrant new premises on All Saints’ Street marks phase one of ongoing expansion plans.
is needed now More than ever
The second phase of the games and media campus will occupy the ground floor, which was once the site of Harry’s Amusements arcade, and is due for completion next year.
“This new site perfectly embodies our vision for what the new proposition is all about,” explains centre manager Sally Larkin.
“We’re all so happy to finally be able to show off phase one of the new campus in all its glory, as we look to inspire more students than ever to take a path into the creative industries. But this is just the beginning.
“It’s a real privilege to be opening a new campus aimed at specifically developing skills that will not only forge fulfilling and exciting careers for young people in and around Bristol, but also help to feed the city’s hunger for expertise within its growing market of creative businesses.”
Yellow is the colour of creativity
A central room painted bright yellow – the colour of creativity – plays host to a racing car video game, which a couple of prospective students are engrossed in mastering. Other creative labs boast virtual reality headsets, green-screen suites and the latest computer and gaming technology.
Over in the performance space, another group of students showcase their singing talents before an enthusiastic audience.
The performance can be used by students, and hired by outside parties
Romaine Smith (left) speaks to Charlie Grier about opportunities at Access
Charlie Grier, who studied at Access up until 2015 and now works as an engagement coordinator, is deep in conversation with prospective student Romaine Smith, who has come along to check the new premises out.
“The new place is incredible and I’m very much looking forward to shouting about it and letting people in the area know we are here,” Charlie tells Bristol24/7.
“Where we were before, we never really had access to the people doing similar stuff to us. Now we are in the thick of it. I’m excited about possible future partnerships.”
Visitors were treated to a number of performances on the launch evening
Inside some of the new labs
Phase one of development is complete, by Sally Larkin says this is just the beginning
In a pre-recorded video address, Margot James, minister for digital and the creative industries, said, “As the first college with a sole focus on the creative industries in Bristol, Access Creative College will play a really important role in developing talent and skills that are vital to the future growth of this part of our economy.
“I’m particularly delighted to see that Access College is working with leading creative businesses and organisations to help students from all backgrounds to progress in their chosen creative career path.
“The UK has a track record in producing world leading creatives and the new Access Creative College will play an exciting part in teaching the next generation of creatives.”
Access Creative College’s music performance, music technology and production, vocal artist and artist development students will continue to use rehearsal and studio facilities at the satellite site in Hengrove.
The new £5m Access Creative College campus on All Saints’ Street
Read more: Sector spotlight: gaming
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