The Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University will remain in its present location at Aldgate, the University confirmed today.
Date: 26 March 2019
The Cass to stay in Aldgate
The Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University will remain in its present location at Aldgate, the University confirmed today.
The decision, which was made following a series of discussions with students, staff, industry professionals and the local council, was formally ratified by the University’s Board of Governors and announced to the School by Vice-Chancellor Professor Lynn Dobbs earlier this week.
Commenting on the decision, Professor Dobbs said: “It is in the best interests of the students, staff and the University for The Cass to remain in Tower Hamlets. Not only are our students and staff thriving in their fantastic facilities at Calcutta House, but The Cass is also an important institution in the community. Our continued presence there offers significant opportunities for the University to develop partnerships and initiatives that will support local growth and regeneration.”
Part of the community
The Calcutta House complex is located in Aldgate and provides students with studio space, teaching rooms, workshops and exhibition areas. The Cass hosts regular high-profile events and exhibitions which attract visitors from the local area and beyond.
Andy Stone, Head of The Cass, said: “We’re delighted to be staying in this vibrant and creative part of London. Our continued presence in Aldgate has strengthened our relationship with local practices and businesses and enabled further collaboration with partners, communities and local authorities.
“We’re ingrained into an area where there is significant change and we feed off of that, producing work of extraordinary quality and breadth.”
The Cass has had many recent local collaborations. Students have worked with Tower Hamlets Council for the Brick Lane facades competition; with the Corporation of London for street furniture and the casing of the Aldgate Square vent; live projects with Sandys Row synagogue and Toynbee Hall, and will be hosting part of the Whitechapel Gallery’s ‘Nocturnal Creatures’ in July. Their involvement with The Aldgate Partnership and many associated stakeholders has led to new partnerships and initiatives and this is something that the University wants to grow further.
