An exciting £5 million renovation project to transform the University of Sheffield's Union of Students building is underway.
The award-winning Union, which employs over 900 people and offers more than 200 sports clubs and societies, is a major factor in attracting students to Sheffield and the redevelopment of the building aims to keep it at the forefront of such facilities nationwide.
In the January 2010 Times Higher Education Student Experience survey the Union of Students was rated best in the country, alongside Loughborough. It was also voted the Best Student's Union in Britain by the Virgin Alternative Guide.
Funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), who provide money to Universities in England for teaching, research and building work, will be used to renovate current facilities, as well as create new ones.
Impression of the new main entrance of the renovated Union of Students building
Construction work on the Union began in November 2009 and is set to span over a 40-week period ready for completion by August 2010. The Union will remain open throughout the entirety of the building project.
It is hoped extra funding will also be provided by alumni donations to boost the plans for the building, which include the creation of an internal exhibition and performance space. The Union is also set to feature a striking new entrance and double height atrium space linking up a number of areas that are currently disjointed, including the Union and University House on Level 4.
The Union of Students has constantly been reinventing itself and rebuilding since the construction of the Graves building in 1936, which now houses the Interval cafe bar. The last major rebuild was in the early 1990s which added facilities like a 400-seat lecture theatre, informal study space, meeting rooms and catering facilities.
As seen from the Octagon
Union President, Paul Tobin said: "This is a really exciting development which will strengthen our ability to enhance the student experience and attract new students to Sheffield.
"I'm passionate about the facilities available to the students at the Union and although it is already the hub of the University social scene, the refurbishment will create an even bigger and better Union with top class facilities to suit our diverse student body."
Professor Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sheffield, said: "At the University of Sheffield, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible facilities available, to ensure that their University experience is extremely fulfilling.
"Our award-winning Union of Students is an important resource for both students and staff and we are extremely proud that our refurbishment will ensure the Union will retain its position as one of the best in the country."
BAM have been awarded the construction contract. This is the same company who are responsible for the University's Information Commons and the current construction work on the Arts Tower.
For further information please contact Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 222 5339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk
