Sound of music set to fill Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness as Rokzkool takes up residence
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The sounds of music are set to resound around Inverness's main shopping centre as a charity prepares to take up residence.
Rokzkool Academy is moving into the unit previously occupied by women’s clothes shop Phase Eight in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
The grassroots charity, based in Inverness, has lodged a planning application to change the use of the space with the aim of creating a community-based learning centre including music lessons for all ages and abilities.
Youngsters will be encouraged to discover their music skills on a wide range of instruments including guitars, drums and even a baby grand piano at Studio 58.
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Set up by Rod Shannon and Kay Ewen, Rokzkool Academy runs workshops for young people of all ages and backgrounds and has helped at many events and galas.
It also provided thousands of lifeline food and emergency packs during the coronavirus pandemic and has found its support is needed more than ever as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.
This summer, it staged music taster sessions for youngsters at the Eastgate Shopping Centre as part of the programme of free activities at the centre's Nevis Club for children.
At least 200 youngsters took up the chance to try various musical instruments or find their singing voices.
It announced its latest plans regarding Studio 58 on social media, stating: "You can find us in our very own unit beside the food court on the ground floor.
"Pinch us as this really is a dream come true!
"This is the start of our next exciting chapter full of potential and possibilities and we can’t wait to open the doors to you all soon."
Details are still being finalised but it plans a range of services in the space.
It will include music lessons for all ages and abilities, art lessons, life skills and employability training for young people, children's clubs, volunteering opportunities and community projects.
It adds: "We will be posting updates very soon and we’d love to hear from you if you like to be involved or have any ideas of how we can make the most of this exciting opportunity.
"Bring on 2024 when the Eastgate will be filled with the sweet sound of Rokzkool!"
