£12 million Union redevelopment announced

The funding for this project is to be raised partly from University Coffers, the Student’s Association itself and extensive fundraising. One significant donation towards this project is already said to have been secured by the St Andrews Principal Professor Louise Richardson.

• A piazza with a new main entrance to the building.
• A café facing Market Street run by and for students.
• A complete redesigning of the main venues by which the current Venue 1 would be split into two spaces – one of which would have a 420 person capacity for performances, while the other would serve as a nightclub with a 600 person capacity.
• Major expansion of the middle and top floor areas of the union, thereby increasing the number of rooms available for use. This would however, mean the relocation of Travel and certain Student Services.
• The Top Floor would see the introduction of two large rooms – one of which being soundproofed – for music rehearsals.
• The division of the main bar into separate parts, each with their own distinct identity (what this means remains distinctly unclear…one for shots, one for spirits and one for Tennants?)
• An overall greener and more sustainable building, adhering as closely as possible to the green standards of the University.

These and various other proposals have been made in order to see a total redevelopment of the Union Building.

Speaking to The Stand, Patrick highlighted what he sees as the greatest benefits of the rennovation. “Important aspects for me include the proposed kitchen, a substantial increase in society space, exciting new venues, and a dazzling facade and piazza. We have and continue to put a lot of work into making this once-in-a-generation investment happen, and we are delighted to be able to share the fruits of the work of four sets of sabbaticals with the student body.”