Our ambitions for an exceptional University Union

Already ranked in the top three for providing an exceptional student experience, Leeds University Union has embarked on a substantial £16.8m investment to upgrade its facilities, which will contribute towards its strategic plans to remain one of the UK’s biggest and best Students’ Unions.

The multi-million pound investment will provide state of the art facilities resulting in a unique suite of venues under one roof, alongside modern well equipped theatres with increased capacity. Upgrading of the retail spaces, licensed bars and café areas within the building will complement improved performance venues and facilities for societies. Users will also be able to navigate the building better through access from new lifts and better connections between spaces used for community engagement and co-curricular activities.

Set for completion in Spring 2017, the revamped Union will create a dynamic and modern environment, continuing to help students love their time at Leeds. The Union Upgrade is part of the University’s £520m investment in its campus, aimed at positioning Leeds as one of the UK’s top higher education institutions.

Dennis Hopper, Director of Facilities Management, University of Leeds commented:

“Investment in our facilities is a key factor in the University’s ability to achieve our strategic goals. Our buildings must support world leading research while at the same time responding to changes in student education and increasing student expectations. The significant investment in the University Union will strengthen this ambition and ensure that students have the very best experience during their time here at Leeds.”

 

Aidan Gills, Chief Executive of Leeds University Union explains more about the ambitious plans and the complexities of delivering a project of this scale, at the same time as maintaining business as usual.

“Our vision is to make sure that every student loves their time at Leeds. Over the past decade, what LUU does to support students at Leeds has radically changed, and this project gives us the opportunity to reflect that in our building.

Students arriving this September will experience the opening of some great new spaces in their first term and the current students will be kept informed about everything we are changing and how we want their involvement and input.

With 320+ student-led groups, the Union Upgrade is vital to ensuring that we continue to achieve our vision in a sustainable way for years to come.”