The Sound District — Partner With Us
The Sound District is a community‑driven music hub creating accessible rehearsal and recording spaces, youth programmes, and sustainable creative practice. We’re building a long‑term cultural anchor that grows talent, strengthens community, and creates measurable social value.
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The Problem We’re Solving — And Why Now
Across High Wycombe and many towns like it, there is a growing shortage of accessible, youth‑friendly creative spaces where people can rehearse, record, learn and express themselves. Affordable music facilities are limited, and structured pathways into music, audio and wider creative careers are often difficult to find. This creates significant barriers for emerging artists, young people and underrepresented groups who are eager to participate but lack the opportunities, support and safe environments needed to grow.
At the same time, the local cultural landscape is fragmented. Diverse voices remain underrepresented in community arts, and the absence of a central creative hub means collaboration between schools, community groups, cultural organisations and independent artists is often disconnected. The result is a creative ecosystem full of potential, but without a focal point to unite it, support it and help it thrive.
Meanwhile, demand for accessible creative spaces and meaningful youth development opportunities is rising rapidly across the UK. Young people are seeking places where they can build skills, confidence and identity; councils are prioritising regeneration, wellbeing and cultural engagement; and communities want vibrant, inclusive environments that bring people together. There is a clear call for cultural hubs that combine professional facilities with education, mentorship, sustainability and community connection.
The Sound District steps forward as the response to this moment.
By offering affordable rehearsal and recording spaces, youth‑centred development programmes, sustainable creative practice and a community‑driven cultural environment, we fill a vital gap in High Wycombe’s creative landscape. We provide a home for emerging talent, a bridge to industry pathways, and a collaborative space where culture can grow.
This is the right time — and the right place — to create a hub that empowers the next generation, amplifies diverse voices, strengthens local identity and delivers long‑term social impact for the community.
Impact
- Youth: confidence, belonging, skills and progression
- Cultural: diverse talent, local pride, more participation
- Economic: jobs, freelance work, increased footfall
- Environmental: reduced waste and eco‑conscious production
Founders
Roy Bates — Audio Technician & Associate Lecturer (BNU)
Roy is an experienced audio technician, educator and creative practitioner with a strong background in professional sound production and immersive audio. As an Associate Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University, he played a leading role in developing one of the UK’s first university‑based Dolby Atmos studios, helping to position the institution at the forefront of emerging sound technologies. Roy’s work combines technical excellence with a deep commitment to accessibility, ensuring that young people and emerging artists can learn industry‑standard skills in an inclusive, supportive environment. His passion lies in empowering others, building community-focused creative spaces and opening doors for the next generation of audio professionals.
Tony Page — Composer, Community Arts Leader & Creative Producer
Tony is an accomplished composer whose music has featured across major broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, and Sky. With experience spanning composition, production and collaborative arts projects, he brings a rich creative vision and deep understanding of storytelling through sound. Alongside his industry work, Tony has a long history in community arts leadership, delivering programmes that support young people, cultivate local talent and connect diverse groups through creativity. His commitment to social impact, cultural development and accessible music-making forms a key part of The Sound District’s mission to build a vibrant, community‑driven creative hub.
Why Invest
Investing in The Sound District means contributing to a project with clear demand, strong foundations, and meaningful long‑term impact. High Wycombe urgently needs accessible creative spaces, youth development opportunities, and culturally inclusive community hubs. We respond directly to this need with a vision that is practical, deliverable, and shaped by ongoing community consultation.
Our founders bring a powerful combination of industry experience, educational leadership and community‑focused practice. With backgrounds in professional audio, immersive sound, composition, production, youth work and arts leadership, they have the credibility, networks and hands‑on expertise needed to deliver a high‑quality, sustainable cultural venture. This blend of creative talent and operational understanding positions The Sound District as a uniquely capable project, driven by people who know both the industry and the community inside out.
Financially, our model is built for long‑term sustainability. By generating income through rehearsal hire, recording services, youth programmes, workshops, events, partnerships, grants, and our in‑house record label, we unlock multiple revenue streams that support resilience and ongoing growth. This hybrid social‑enterprise approach ensures that the project not only survives — it thrives.
Most importantly, investment creates significant social value. The Sound District will boost skills, confidence, wellbeing, community pride, cultural participation and local identity. It supports underrepresented groups, champions young people and strengthens the creative ecosystem of High Wycombe. The return on investment is more than financial — it is cultural, educational, and community‑driven, generating positive impact that lasts for generations.
Call to Action
Let’s build a transformative, sustainable creative hub together. Whether you are a partner, investor, funder or community supporter, your contribution can help shape a space where creativity thrives, young people are empowered, and culture becomes a shared force for connection and opportunity. Join us in creating a lasting cultural legacy for High Wycombe — one that inspires, uplifts and brings people together.