Students of the Dublin Quarry Lane East campus will soon be able to make use of a new performing arts center on their site after recent approval from city officials.

The project, which includes constructing a 14,000-square-foot venue with accompanying landscaping, parking and walkways, was passed unanimously by the City Council last month. Residents, parents and students showed out in support of a performing arts center for the academic institution during the city's public review process.

"A performing arts building would give us more space and resources to further develop our artistic talents," Quarry Lane student body president Poluk Sharma told the Dublin Planning Commission on Sept. 12. "More facilities to support the arts at our school would undoubtedly empower our students, not only further develop their interests in the arts but to use those skills to give back more to the community."

Applicant Dr. Sabri Arac, of Quarry Lane School, proposed the construction of the performing arts center to serve the East Quarry Lane campus, located at 6363 Tassajara Road. The private secular day school also operates locations in Pleasanton and West Dublin.

The plans feature a performance hall with seating for up to 350 audience members, rehearsal spaces for current Quarry Lane School students and a 126-spot parking lot. School officials expect the building to host future commencement ceremonies and larger events.

Junior class president Diya Jain offered her remarks to the commission during the public comment period.

"As a competitive dancer, I've experienced the benefits of participating in the arts. Taking part in these activities is a huge confidence booster as it requires me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things," said Jain, who has been a Quarry Lane student since ninth grade.

"A new performing arts center at Quarry Lane would benefit the community of Dublin residents in a number of ways. To start, it can enhance the educational opportunities offered by providing a dedicated space for students to develop their talents and art forms," Jain added. "It can serve as a hub for cultural activities and enable students to experience a wide range of performance art, from plays to dances to music. This can broaden a student's horizon."

When discussing the project and after hearing all public comments, commissioners showed outright support for the arts center.

"I'm impressed with what the students had to say," Commissioner Catheryn Grier said. "We do spend a lot of time talking about STEM or sports in our academic world, but I do think that a well-rounded student would benefit from performing arts."

"In terms of what it adds, I think it's a well-designed building. I like what I see," Grier added.

Alternate Commissioner Nicholas Ochoa said, "I agree that this will be a great addition to the community and your school. I look forward to voting for it."

When a vote was called on the proposal, commission members unanimously gave their support by voting to pass it.

"We most certainly can benefit from this wonderful addition," Planning Commissioner Janine Thalblum said. "I look forward to seeing this proceed and to welcome it to the east side of Dublin."

The City Council subsequently approved permits and amendments to the Planned Development Zoning Stage 1 and 2 Development Plan associated with the project in October.

Construction timelines are not yet clear but will be further discussed by Quarry Lane and city officials.