Royal Academy of Music to open east London campus

The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) is planning to open a new east London campus which it says will provide "endless possibilities".

The London City Island development in Docklands will include four large studios, 10 teaching and practice rooms alongside a grand piano and in-built recording facilities.

RAM will continue to be based on Marylebone Road in central London for the majority of its teaching, practice and rehearsal sessions, as well as all public performances.

RAM principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood said: "This acquisition is a game changer for the Royal Academy of Music and integral to our future as we take our already world-class facilities to a new level and to a new place."

Work on London City Island should start in spring 2026 after designs are completed this autumn.

RAM hopes the 22-minute journey time from its main base "will provide additional opportunities for students, relieve pressure on the main building".

It added that there were "no plans to increase the intake of students, and these new facilities are designed solely to improve the student experience".

The building is close to English National Ballet's headquarters and will be designed by AOC Architecture whose recent work includes Young V&A in Bethnal Green, the National Archives in Kew and Somerset House Studios.

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