Follow the development of the new Student Centre, which is currently being constructed down by the library on your way into campus from the flagpoles.
If you have seen the big construction site down by the library on the way in from the flag poles, that's your new Student Centre, which will be open by September 2024.
UL Student Life are delighted to see significant progress being made on the new state-of-the-art building which is due for completion next Summer.
The new UL Student Centre, a 3,529 square metre building set four storeys over basement, is located in a prime front of house location adjacent to the Stables Complex and the Glucksman Library.
The facility is being funded on a partnership basis between the students and the University. The students voted in 2016 by way of referendum to fund almost 80% of the capital cost through a development levy.
The student centre forms part a raft of new campus facilities that also include the 22-acre Maguire’s Field pitches and the climbing wall at the UL Arena, which have already been completed.
The existing student centre, located in the Stables Courtyard, dates to 1999 when the student population was half what it is now. There has also been a huge growth in the number of student clubs and societies, with membership likewise increasing.
The new student centre will be the hub of student activity for all students and the project’s recommencement was welcomed by UL President Professor Kerstin Mey.
“It will add significant value to the student experience, greatly enhancing the campus for future generations. I commend the students who had the foresight in 2016 to support the plans via a levy to redevelop Maguires Pitches and to build this new student centre and the climbing wall. It will truly leave a lasting legacy for all future students who come to UL.”
Maeve Rutledge, Former UL Student Life President, said: “Carrying on the great work of our previous officer teams, it was so important to us to get this project over the line this year. This new student centre is vital for our wider student body, and we have worked hard to ensure there were no more delays despite inflation and rising costs.
“We fought hard to secure a new tender and a reduction in the levy for current students and I am delighted to say we can finally deliver on what will be a world class student centre.
A detailed design brief for the building was developed following extensive consultation with clubs and societies, student class representatives and students’ union representatives.
As articulated by the students, ‘The Centre for Student Life’ will support the student life journey in UL and will be a space where students can relax, chill, party, play, be informed, be advised, supported, network and live life.