ʻStudent Centralʼ opens for business
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 11:22:00 GMT
New Student Central building opened months ahead of schedule
Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan opens the University's new Student Central with Students' Union President Nosheen Dad.
STUDENTS and staff flocked to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the University of Huddersfield’s £22.5 million Student Central building, which is operational months ahead of schedule. It offers all-new sports, catering and study facilities.
“I am absolutely bowled over!” said University Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan. During 2013, Huddersfield had earned a string of awards, including the coveted University of the Year title. Now it is starting 2014 with a fantastic new building.
He praised the University’s Estates Department plus contractors GB Building Solutions for the early completion of the building, which meant that students were able to use the new facilities from the start of the term. Originally it had been expected that Student Central would be opened at Easter.
Professor Cryan said that he was especially pleased that the University’s Students’ Union – which has relocated to Student Central – was at the heart of the new building. He invited its President, Nosheen Dad, to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Then, the crowd of staff and students eagerly inspected the new facilities, which include a new eight-court sports hall, an 80-space fitness suite, squash courts and dance studios, in addition to a new refectory, conference space and Students’ Union premises plus a large retail outlet.
They are housed in an innovative, multi-tiered building, covered on several sides by a mesh that can be illuminated by LED lights. These were switched on before Christmas by stars from the Huddersfield Giants Super League team.
Staff and students pictured at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new Student Central is fully integrated with the University’s Central Services Building, including its Library, and key services such as the Careers and Employability Service have been remodelled and upgraded.
An official opening ceremony for Student Central is being planned for later in 2014.
To view a fly through video of the interior of the new Student Central watch this video.
