Plans for a major £3.8m expansion to Dundee University Students Association received the unanimous backing of the University Court this week. The University agreed to invest £1.1 million in the ambitious venture which will see the popular students' union transformed - with the inclusion of a brand new debating chamber - to serve the social and retail needs of 21st century students.
The expansion will help maintain Dundee union's lead in the market of student provision. DUSA has been voted by several university guides as one of the best student unions in the country with excellent provision of student advice centres with qualified staff to advise on money, health and study issues as well as wide ranging entertainment facilities including two nightclubs, two bars, a games room and debating chamber. It is now DUSA's intention to upgrade all of these facilities refurbishing the bars, extending the retail outlets and building a brand new debating chamber.
The north of the building at the Balfour Street entrance will see an extension expanding the Union shop and providing increased accommodation for the Tav bar. The new entrance will be modern, colourful and welcoming. The Liar bar - named after former Rector Stephen Fry's book, will get a face lift along with the bar and dance floor in Pete's.
A new generation of top debaters who are making their mark on the UK circuit will soon compete in a brand new chamber designed to accommodate 80 people and host UK and international debating competitions.
Student President Maurice Golden during his presentation to University Court said: " The strategic redevelopment is more than just a north extension, more than just improving and expanding the existing commercial facilities and more than just enhancing the support network and development opportunities available to students of our University. It represents a belief in the symbiotic nature of the relationship between the Students' Association and the University, that the success of the Students' Association is inextricably linked with the growth and development of the University.
DUSA will provide the remaining £2.7 million to fund the redevelopment. Work is expected to start in August 2003.
Contact Maurice Golden, DUSA President 01382 221841
By Jenny Marra, Press Officer 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk