A £3 million extension to The University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) – due to open in time for the start of the new term next month – will enhance the student experience and further strengthen the university’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading modern universities.
The Students’ Union building at the centre of The University of Plymouth’s city campus includes a new shop; sandwich bar; advice and student welfare centre and office space, as well as being the meeting place for all sports clubs and societies. The construction work began in September 2005 and the building was designed by Nicolas Burwell from Nicolas Burwell Architects Limited, a leading company based in London.
The funding is being provided by the university and it will provide a total of 784 square metres of new working space. UPSU has been fundamental in providing student representation, advice, welfare, sports and societies clubs, bars and entertainments since it began in 1889. The students’ union helps to support all the non-academic aspects of student life but, more importantly, UPSU is led by a team of elected students whose representation ensures that students’ views are taken into account at the highest level with the university management teams.
The work is expected to have a major impact in many areas but primarily provides much needed extra space to cope with the university’s development and plans for increased student numbers. It also provides a much needed updating of the existing building and is in line with the re-development of Plymouth campus to ensure the university maintains its status as one of the leading modern universities in the country.
Joff Cooke, UPSU General Manager, said: “This extension is a major development for UPSU. The success of the students’ union in recent years has meant that our current building has been stretched at the seams and was in danger of affecting the level of service we were able to provide. It is fantastic that we have been given a modern building, with room to expand, and is also an excellent indication of the university’s commitment not only to excel in delivering academic study but to deliver a great experience of student life to everyone in Plymouth. The extension marks the latest phase in a significant investment in student union services at the University of Plymouth, which will see UPSU placed as one of the best in the country.”
Kat Rayson, UPSU President (Plymouth campus), said: “This will provide a huge focal point for our members and make them feel proud to be a part of their students’ union. It shows our commitment to investing in non-commercial services such as free, confidential and professional advice and support. Areas like this are a vital resource to many students and it helps them to succeed in attaining their best possible results. It is credit to the university that they have invested in these areas, in addition to the new teaching and learning facilities.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Roland Levinsky said: “The impressive new UPSU extension is just one example of the University of Plymouth’s commitment to providing the very best facilities for its students and is part of an ongoing programme of investment in the Plymouth campus which will further enhance Plymouth’s reputation as one of the Uk’s leading modern universities. We are aiming for a campus to be proud of and I hope the students enjoy using the new facilties.”
ENDS
About the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU)
UPSU is the representative body of the students at the University of Plymouth with a membership of around 30,000 students (including those who study at partner FE colleges within the University of Plymouth Colleges faculty) it is one of the largest student unions in the UK – It is committed to representing the views of students to the university and improving the student experience, For further information go to www.upsu.com
About the University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is consistently ranked as one of the top five modern universities in the UK and is a national leader for teaching excellence. This achievement has helped it to secure an extra £33 million in funding over the next five years. It is one of only two universities to have been awarded seven prestigious National Teaching Fellowships and also demonstrates research of both national and international excellence. With around 30,000 students (including those who study at partner FE colleges within the University of Plymouth Colleges faculty) it is one of the largest universities in the UK – and proud to retain its reputation for friendliness. With a track record of ‘widening participation’, business partnerships and vocational courses, it has a high rate of graduate employment and is committed to improving the student experience, demonstrated by significant investment in new facilities. For further information go to: www.plymouth.ac.uk.
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