St Andrews students’ social hub is to be given a multi-million makeover in a move aimed at enhancing student life in the town.
Plans have been revealed for a refurbishment of the St Andrews University Students’ Union to the tune of £12 million.
The new-look union, paid for by the university, will include a more upmarket wine and cocktail bar, a sports bar, a nightclub and a venue for concerts, theatre shows and special lectures.
A media suite will be created for used by local broadcasters including the student radio station STAR, and improved facilities introduced for the university’s many student societies.
It is hoped work will begin on the transformation, which is to be conducted in phases over three years, in 2013. The union was built in 1972 and has seen only minor improvements since then.
Student association president Owen Wilton said, “People are quite affectionate about the union but I think we would all agree it is aesthetically challenged and it is in genuine need of transformation.
“Refurbishing our facilities means we should, through the trading arm, be able to generate more revenue.
“Because we are a charity we can reinvest that in student representation services and events and societies. That will really enhance the student experience in St Andrews.”Range of clubsSt Andrews University has around 150 societies, ranging from anthropology and a cappella groups to vegetarian and war game clubs.
Owen said, “The skills that people learn through these clubs and extra-curricular activities through the student association are really important to their professional development.”
Discussions are currently taking place regarding the design of the new-look union and it is hoped that a planning application will be submitted in the autumn.
It is intended that the exterior will be revamped, possibly with a “glass curtain” effect.
The street front on St Mary’s Place will be extended to include a newly refurbished union shop and a new cafe. The main bar will be slimmed down to create a more intimate atmosphere and include different types of bar.
Venue One, at the rear, will be divided to create the nightclub and performance area. Student Services will be shifted to another location to create more space for study and socialising on the middle floor, alongside staff offices.
The top floor will be reorganised to provide more space and improved facilities for society meetings, rehearsals and social gatherings.