A £5 million package of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will help with the transformation of a historic former school into a music centre.

The Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT) which is converting the A-listed building below Calton Hill, Edinburgh, will receive an initial award of £437,046 which will be used towards development planning and costs.

A further £4,562,147 will then be put towards the longer-term delivery of the project, with both organisations working closely together to ensure the steps are put in place to secure it. 

The former Royal High School, built in 1826 and designed by Thomas Hamilton, is being transformed into the National Centre for Music.

Trust chair Carol Nimmo said: “This project will create a unique environment, unlike anything in Edinburgh at the moment. It will preserve the history and heritage of one of the city and nation’s most prestigious buildings, giving it a re-birth fitting for 21st century city residents and visitors.” 

The redevelopment will create a National Centre for Music encompassing three performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, interpretation and learning spaces, while a new café and public landscaped gardens with views across the city. It expects about 290,000 visitors a year.

Jenny Jamison, creative director added: “We are continuing to develop the National Centre for Music concept and this funding allows us to move on with our plans at pace.

“Our vision is to be an energising force in the Scottish music sector, creating an inspiring environment in the unique setting of this treasured building – where Scottish musical history will be made.”

The announcement coincides with Heritage Treasures Day which spotlights the diverse range of heritage projects across the UK which have been saved thanks to funding from National Lottery players over the past 30 years.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is wonderful to start the New Year investing in projects that are saving heritage treasures across the UK.

“We are working with those who care for heritage transforming historic gems and positively adding to wellbeing and educational opportunities for young people, making heritage the focus of communities, places and the UK economy.

“Thanks to money raised from National Lottery players over the last 30 years, we have awarded £3.3bn to more than 10,300 historic building and monumentprojectsfor the long-term, helping to ensure heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”

Initial exploration works are now under way in the building with full construction due to kick off in summer 2025 for completion and opening in summer 2027.

Work on the garden spaces, which have been design by iconic landscape architect, Tom Stuart-Smith is also due to commence later this year.