New improved facilities for students and staff

The University of Wolverhampton is investing £1m as part of its aim to improve facilities for students and staff.

Work is underway to redevelop the Students’ Union at the University’s City Campus and to create a new SU bar at its Walsall campus in Gorway Road.

Changing rooms at the University City Sports Centre are also being revamped, a new social lounge being created at Telford and improvements are being made to staff and student social and work spaces at City Campus’ Millennium City building.

The investment is part of a drive to improve the campus environment and the experience for students.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “We are committed to providing the best facilities we can for our students and staff.

“Over the years we have invested heavily in our learning and teaching spaces. Now we are investing in our social spaces to give our students the best possible experience we can.

“We have worked closely with the Students’ Union to find out directly from students what they want and how we enhance their time with us.

“Aside from having up to date and pleasant learning facilities, students also want access to the best social and sports provision.”

The redevelopment of the Ambika Paul Students’ Union will involve creating a communications and media suite, an IT workshop and retail counter to provide support and repairs for equipment, creation of a meeting space, large events space and student lounge and juice bar.

The bar at Walsall will add to the Students’ Union facility at that campus and provide a seven-day-a-week operation, subject to licensing approval.

Dan Batchelor, President of the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union said: “During the summer period the Students’ Union has undergone a number of changes which we believe will appeal to our ever evolving student body.

“In Walsall, from September onwards, we will be offering a new bar service in addition to the coffee and refreshments already on offer in our Squeeze Box Juice Bar. Our City Campus space will also be undergoing a major transformation, with the addition of a coffee and refreshment service which will mirror the Juice Bar in Walsall.

“Our refurbishment will also encompass a brand new area which will house our new media societies; these being a student newspaper and a student online radio service. This refurbishment sets an unprecedented level of investment in the organisation which demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the overall student experience.

“We are confident the work on our social spaces will create an environment in which students will be able to relax, make new friends and explore new experiences.”

Building work has been taking place during the summer so as to keep disruption to a minimum and it is expected the majority of the projects will be completed in time for the new academic year in mid-September.

ENDS

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