The exciting £5 million renovation project to transform the University of Sheffield's Students' Union building is complete.
The award-winning Students' Union, which employs over 900 people and offers more than 300 sports clubs and societies, is a major factor in attracting students to Sheffield and the redevelopment of the building will keep it at the forefront of such facilities nationwide.
In the last Times Higher Education Student Experience survey the Students' Union 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, was used to renovate current facilities, as well as create new ones.
The new main entrance of the renovated Students' Union building
Construction work on the Students' Union began in November 2009 and it remained open throughout the entirety of the building project.
The new Students' Union features a striking new entrance and double height atrium space linking up a number of areas that are currently disjointed, including the Students' Union and University House on Level 4.
The Students' Union 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.
Students' Union President, Joshua Forstenzer 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 Students' Union and although it is already the hub of the University social scene, the refurbishment will create an even bigger and better Students' 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 Students' Union 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."
The construction was awarded to BAM. 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
