Create a building that reflects the vibrancy of our activities.

Make it easier for members to use the Union services.

Ensure that services are relevant to the wider diverse membership.

Throughout the summer of 2006 the Union building went through a dramatic refurbishment. With new services and improvements to existing venues, we went straight to work on implementing the Union’s plan and our vision for the building.

‘Essentials’, the largest Union shop was re-designed, making shopping for ‘essential’ items quicker and easier. In addition to this, a new extended shopping service, ‘Extras+’, located in the centre of the Union building replaced ‘The Chiller’ and ‘Express’, providing all their products and more, in one unit. Offering later opening hours, ‘Extras+’ is more accessible for members to make quick purchases throughout the day and night.

A gift and merchandise shop, brand new to the Union, opened for Intro Week. ‘Hiccup’, brings a totally new style of shopping to the Union building. With a hip and urban look and product range, we have developed an in-house brand with genuine street credibility; something that other Students’ Unions have not even attempted.

‘Union Books’ also underwent a redevelopment with a new entrance, brighter shop front and addition of a ‘Juice Bar’ and free internet café.

The new shops provide a more efficient and accessible service for our members whilst bringing high street products to LUU with our own unique Union style.

In addition to the development of retail services, £250,000 was used to refurbish ‘Stylus’, our 1,000 capacity, award-winning nightclub, and to create ‘Pulse’ (formerly ‘Bar Coda’). This transformation provides a modern space with a new chic atmosphere for members to chill out, enjoy a drink and socialise late into the evening, or hire for parties and other events.

‘Mine’, which opened last year won a national award as the ‘Best Students’ Union venue in the UK’ at the ‘BEDA’ (Bar, Entertainments and Dance Association) awards. The judges were impressed at the quality of the venue’s design and multi-purpose nature of its operations, moving seamlessly from a daytime eatery, with freshly prepared meals from locally sourced ingredients, to a nighttime venue hosting the best in live music and club nights.

Changes also occurred in the reception area of the Union building. ‘STA Travel’ (previously located to the right of the Union’s entrance) moved to the lower ground level. The vacated space is now used as a chill out area and ‘Information Point’, making information easily accessible for our members and providing them with space to relax during the day and hold society events in the evening.

It was a busy period for staff and Student Executive Officers alike, but the results show the effort invested by everybody involved. Damola Timeyin, Communications and Democracy Officer highlights:

Rock legends, ‘The Who’, returned to the Refectory at LUU where they recorded their world famous ‘Live at Leeds’ album. The attention of music fans and press from around the world was focused on the band as they played the most intimate gig of their recent careers. Leeds University Union’s Events Department played a huge role in securing the gig and helping to plan and run the event. The momentous occasion was topped with the unveiling of a blue plaque to solidify the Refectory’s place in rock history as the venue where the original album was recorded.