University planning £5m union revamp

Under the proposals the existing students’ union will merge with a newly refurbished university house. The new facility will be designed to complement the £5 million revamp which was carried out on the students’ union building last year.

It will include services to support students such as welfare, activities and sport, and student administrative and guidance services, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Work is expected to start on site during summer 2012.

During refurbishment work on the current university house building, the majority of students’ union services will remain open as usual.

The union, which employs more than 900 people and offers more than 250 sports clubs and societies, has had several revamps since the construction of the Graves building in 1936, which now houses the Interval Café Bar.

Prof Paul White, the university’s pro vice-chancellor for learning and teaching, said: “The new facility is a fantastic demonstration of the university’s commitment to providing its students and staff with the best possible university experience. Bringing together the existing students’ union with a newly refurbished University House to create a new and improved building reflects the strong partnership between the students’ union and the university, for the benefit of both the student experience and the wider university community.”

Students’ Union president Thom Arnold said: “We are really pleased to be working in partnership with the university to develop this visionary facility.

“Providing an outstanding student experience is something that the university and the students’ union are fundamentally committed to.”