A CITY centre building that has played a vital role in Exeter’s history is destined for a bright future thanks to its recent purchase by Exeter College.

The Grade II-listed property at 26 Queen Street, previously home of the University of Plymouth’s School of Arts, is being transformed into the Exeter College Music and Performance Academy. Part of an exciting building programme at the College, it is due to open early next year.

And among those working on the site for South-West based building contractors Midas is Exeter College’s own carpentry apprentice Tom Perryman, aged 19, of Honiton.

In the first year of studying for a two-year NVQ Level 2 qualification in Carpentry, Tom divides his week between lessons at the College’s Construction faculty in Sowton and work-shadowing expert carpenter George Jepps on-site at Queen Street.

Rebecca King, Deputy Principal at Exeter College, is delighted that one of the College’s own apprentices is involved in the project.

She says: “It is very special that one of our own construction apprentices is able to contribute to the refurbishment of this wonderful building.

“The Music and Performance Academy will be a dedicated centre of excellence for the talented musicians and performers that Exeter College attracts from the Exeter and heart of Devon schools,” she continues.

“The recording studios, editing suites, performance spaces and music practice rooms are designed to cater for all kinds of music, from classical and jazz to rock and pop, and our popular music technology courses, and the facilities will mirror the equipment that our students will face when they are in the industry.

“Likewise, Tom’s experiences working on this building will benefit him as he continues his training with Midas.”

Excited to be involved in the renovation of such an old building, Tom agrees: “I’m really enjoying being an apprentice because it means that I’m gaining my skills while I’m working rather than just in a classroom. When you are among other people who are already experienced in what you want to do, you learn a lot more – and you can always ask questions if you’re not sure.

“I’m also getting to see carpentry of a kind that I wouldn’t normally see on a newer building. At the same time, I’m finding out about the sort of tools used back in the day, as well as about all the modern ones.”

George, who has worked in the building industry for almost 37 years and has been a carpenter for the last 20, first trained as an apprentice himself too so understands what it is like.

He says: “It’s nice having Tom around to pass on my knowledge to, especially as I remember how much being an apprentice helped me. We all have to start somewhere, so if you’re working with someone who can help you as you are learning, then all the better.”

Midas’ site manager Peter Chown – a man with 44 years’ experience in the construction industry and another former apprentice – is also very positive about apprenticeships.

He says: “As an apprentice, you are not pushed in at the deep end; instead, you are eased in gently and trained by professionals.

“From the industry’s point of view, it’s good too, because many apprentices go on to become site and contract managers and remain loyal to their employers. It makes good sense that if you are trained well by your employer, there’s more of an incentive to remain with them once training has been completed.

“Working on this project is proving to be really enjoyable for all of us, not only Tom; it’s not every day that you get to work on a building with as much age and character as this one.”

Still housing a portion of the City Wall in its basement, 26 Queen Street became the new site for The Exeter Dispensary in 1843, three years after the foundation stone was laid by Sir John Buller MP. The stone can still be seen today on the corner of Northernhay Street and Queen Street.

The original dispensary, in Frienhay Street, was founded in 1818 by Dr Henry Blackhall to provide relief for the poor suffering from fevers and contagious diseases, and for children who were unfit to be admitted to the Devon and Exeter Hospital.

More recently, it became office for the National Health Service towards the end of the 20th Century, before the University of Plymouth moved into the building at the start of the 21st Century.

Now undergoing a refurbishment worth an estimated £600,000, Exeter College Music and Performing Arts students will have the use of approximately 465m² of space when the first classes begin there in early 2011.