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ISSUE 868 MAY 05 2008 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972
PHOTOS: Ed Salter
INSIDE...NEWS/JOBS&MONEY/FEATURES/TAF-OD/OPINION
pty by day
stling by night, MAIN Em
Junction Bar: INSET Bu
FACELIFT
Abigail Whittaker News Editor
Cardiff University Students’ Union (CUSU) has unveiled plans to develop social space and improve food provision in the building. The proposed changes, which are scheduled for completion over the coming summer months, will modify the Junction Bar and Buffers in Solus. Junction will be redeveloped into an open-plan learning environment, which will operate until early evening and feature a glass front to provide access to a balcony and outdoor seating. The main structural changes will include a relocation of the toilets into the main nightclub and the removal of the bottle bar to make way for a food provision area. A new staircase will be installed to provide easy access from Buffers (back
room in Solus) to CF10. In addition, the renovation will create small working areas and comfortable seating zones with internet access. However, the layout and the décor of the area are yet to be confirmed. The plans have been commissioned recently following the publication of results of this year’s Student Satisfaction Survey, in which the Union building was described as tired, claustrophobic and in need of a facelift. The move comes in preparation for the utilisation of the Great Hall as a part-time lecture theatre from September 2008. Increasing competition from venues in Cathays and the city centre has also led to a recent decline in the Union’s commercial trade. Considerations for food provision are still in the initial stages, with detailed market research set to be undertaken in the coming fortnight.
The SU’s Communications Department have been tasked with conducting face-to-face market research out on the street to discover whether or not students would like more food and drink provision and, if so, what kind and at what price. A web-poll and the use of Facebook will also aid the investigation. CUSU President Jonny Cox said: “The Student Satisfaction Survey provides the Union with priceless information about the experience students are having in the Students’ Union. “As you can see from the new plans for the Junction area, we are already acting upon this year’s results.” The sabbatical officers, who form the board of directors of CUSU, initially approved the plans. A proposal was then taken to Student Council on Tuesday April 29 and passed by approximately 40 students. The project will be paid for out of
Union ‘reserves’, which are designated for one-off projects. Funding will then be derived from Union capital, so that the overall cost can be spread over several years. A Union spokesperson said: “We do hope that in time other areas of the Union will be improved, but this is an independent project.” Work is expected to take place between June and September while students are on holiday. But there is a foreseeable clash with the graduation club-nights that the Union puts on in July. Union officials are aware of this issue and, if necessary, construction work will be boarded up so as not to impinge on the events. As yet no contingency plan has been confirmed should the work be incomplete at the start of the academic year 2008-2009. But executives have reassured stu-
dents that deadlines will be discussed with potential contractors and, should completion before the restart of term be impossible, then the project will not be embarked upon. CUSU Vice-President Rowena Vassallo supported the changes. She said: “We hope to create a more vibrant Students’ Union with a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere at all times of the day. “We hope that a more diverse range of students will spend more time in the Union, as we will be able to provide more places to relax in during the day as well as at night.”
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