Mountview Academy got the go-ahead from Southwark Council’s planning committee to build a new performing arts school on the brownfield site behind Peckham Library.

Carl Turner Architects designed the five-storey building that will feature 19 dance and acting studios, two television studios and a radio studio. Carl Turner, who founded his practice in 2006, tells Bisnow Mountview will provide opportunities for local people both through its academic programme, and through its outreach activities during evenings, weekends and school holidays. “Space will be provided for use by the community, and there will be a 200-seat public theatre showing around 25 productions per year, public rooftop café and bar, and other public functions within the building,” he says.

Mountview will offer undergraduate, master's and foundation-level qualifications.

Carl notes that as one of the leading providers of performing arts education in the UK, Mountview will reinforce Peckham as a centre of excellence for the arts and in particular help create a truly civic square at the heart of Peckham.