Work starts on new LSBU student centre

The £7.42 million development is due to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September this year.

The new centre will create a central location where students can easily access support services and find out more about employment opportunities, as well as providing a space where they can socialise and relax.

It will be a new home for the LSBU Students' Union, including advocacy and society services and a cafe, and will bring together non-academic services such as student advice, employability services, advice on internships, getting a graduate job and volunteering, fees & bursaries, disability & dyslexia support and accommodation.

The centre, which is being constructed under the university's existing tower block at the corner of Borough Road and Southwark Bridge Road, has been designed by architects Hawkins\Brown.

"We're delighted that building work has now begun on our exciting new student centre development," says LSBU vice-chancellor Prof Martin Earwicker.

"We've listened to our students throughout the planning process – from how they want to access support and careers services through to choosing colours at the design stage – so we're sure that this centre will really enhance the student experience at our university.

"LSBU students will not only have an exciting new space to meet and to work in, but they will also have quick and easy access to any support they need, and they'll have information on professional opportunities, such as mentoring and internships, at their fingertips."

The students' union has been without a permanent home since the previous building was demolished to make way for the K2 building on Keyworth Street.

A previous plan for a new student centre on the site of the former Presbyterian chapel near St George's Circus was abandoned by the university.