A new £5.5 million Student Centre has opened at the University of Bath, which will be the new hub of student life on campus.
The Centre is home to the Students’ Union and is designed to be a social area and informal learning space where students can relax and study in a non-commercial area.
It has WiFi and networking opportunities and over 40 information screens. There is open-plan, soft-seating and new eating areas, as well as extended and refitted bar and nightclub venues.
The building has a contemporary glass-fronted exterior, designed by Bath-based architects Stubbs Rich, which creates an exciting new arrival area for visitors to the campus.
The Centre has achieved an impressive environmental rating (EPC rating of B) and has used local sub-contractors where possible in the build.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell said: “The University is very proud to provide our students with this striking new social space. Their needs have been at the heart of the project and it will give them a real focal point for free time and informal learning. It is set to be a tremendous addition to campus life.”
Students have been consulted throughout the project. Daniel O’Toole, SU President, said: “This is such a great development for the University and more than meets the need for more student social space. Every student on campus will benefit from the new Centre. It’s a really exciting, contemporary building and inside it has everything a student could want. We’re also very grateful to the Alumni Fund for providing £100,000 to help provide such a fantastic state-of-the-art fit-out.”
Speaking of the building’s environmental credentials, architect Andy Battle from Stubbs Rich, a former Bath graduate and part-time tutor, said: “Sustainability has been an important part of the project and we have sourced materials responsibly and are using natural daylight and ventilation where possible to keep the carbon footprint of the building down.”
The University Council and local dignitaries from the City of Bath attended the opening ceremony on Thursday 28 October. Peter Troughton, Chair of Council, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new building and the Students’ Union surprised the Vice-Chancellor by presenting her with 5,000 postcards from students thanking the University for its investment.