Union unveils the future – University of Reading
07 February 2006
Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) has released some artist impressions of the new and exciting volunteer, membership services, advice centre, media centre and representation group extension, costing in the region of £1.75million. The build is joint-financed by the University and the Students' Union, showing the commitment both organisations have towards improving the student experience at Reading. The ground floor of the building will cover the site currently occupied by Membership Services, the Advice Centre, Finance office, Endsleigh, Junction11 studio and all of the offices in-between. The new ground floor will have a purpose built Volunteers centre, an extensive Media centre and suite, private and confidential advisor's offices, informal meeting spaces and a luxury new Union entrance. The first floor of the building will be the representation centre of the Union's hard work. There will be new offices for all Sabbatical officers and the Union General Manager, an informal meeting space and a large meeting room. The large meeting room can be quickly transformed into two separate rooms which will be ideal for training purposes. During the build, a number of the services the Union provides will be disrupted, but with as little impact as possible. Its has yet to be finalised exactly where Membership Services or Junction11 will be during the build, but the Union is working hard so that students who are affected during the Autumn term will be able to reap the benefits come Spring. Dave Lewis, President of RUSU, was understandably excited about the entire project. "This new and exciting project shows the Union's commitment towards its volunteer groups, towards students who want confidential advice and towards students who want a Union building to be proud of. "The extension will mark a new chapter in RUSU's history; with the Union being radically transformed to reflect changing student demands. It's a project that Executive teams over the past four years have worked extremely hard for, and its something that students of the future will be extremely proud of. "We have excellent bars and fantastic venues but with this project, we give volunteers, students and staff a place where they can relax, seek advice and get services in proper, comfortable and impressive surroundings. "Although the build is likely to cause some disruption over the Autumn term, its important that everyone involved remembers that they will see the benefits during the Spring term." The building work is expected to start in July 2006 and finish January 2007. end Notes for editors 1. Reading University Students' Union is the student representative body at the University of Reading. They represent the needs, interests and diversity of over 15,000 students in Reading. The Union is run for students by students, offering advice, support, welfare and services. 2. Dave Lewis, RUSU President, is available for further comment. He can be contacted on d.c.lewis@rdg.ac.uk, 0118 986 5133 or 07973 503 401.