The redevelopment of the Union building, which cost $5.7 million and began in December 2011, is finally complete. The downstairs area of the Union has been revamped and given a colourful and relaxing feel, but the most significant change is the construction of a completely new upstairs mezzanine.
As well as being home to the Womens’ Room and the University Chaplains’ offices, the mezzanine lounge area is filled with booths, tables, and comfy coloured cubes for students to kill time, study, or have a well-deserved coffee. OUSA President Logan Edgar told Critic he is very happy with the revamped union, which will also help to fill the ever-increasing demand for student study spaces.
There was a general consensus among students that the new union is comfortable, with a café-like atmosphere. However, one student expressed reservations about the constant stream of 90s pop music emanating from the new TV screen in the downstairs area.
Although much has been added to the new Union, a noticeable missing feature is Lex the coffee man, who has permanently moved to the library entranceway. Speaking to Critic, Lex described his new location as “great”, but added a trademark snarky comment about the new Union, saying it looks as if it has been “pulled out of the 60s and put in the 70s.”
The revamped Union played a key role in Re-O Week events, with both the Ladyhawke and Kora gigs being held in Union Hall. This will undoubtedly result in a Scarfie-style christening of the new area.
University Unveils Union Usurper, Uganda Utterly Unaffected
