Strath Union has unveiled its new location on campus and confirmed the building will be opening its doors this week.

The new location is within the Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell Wing of the new Learning and Teaching building at 51 Richmond Street and the Union will be opening its doors on 10 September 2021 to welcome students for Freshers week. Check out our opening hours here!

The new Union is part of a five-year, £60 million makeover of what was previously known as the Colville building. It will host a variety of bars and coffeeshops with a modernised menu, such as bao buns and noodles alongside classics like pizza, burgers and fish and chips, as well as several entertainment options including  smart darts, pool, live football, and a programme of music.

Part of the building's innovative design includes an indoor terrace with Astro Turf and picnic tables, where students can socialise.

The new building replaces the much-loved John Street location which housed the Union for more than 60 years and hosted big names including Elton John, Calvin Harris, and Frightened Rabbit. Its closure prompted an outpouring of love across social media from past students and fans including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

“The old building at John Street holds a special place in the hearts of many, which was evident from all of the amazing memories posted on social media when we announced its closure last month,” Benn Rapson, Student Exec President at Strath Union, said. He added: “Richmond Street has big shoes to fill, but we’re absolutely certain it’s up to the task. We’re so looking forward to opening the doors this weekend."

“Strath Union is where everything happens on campus, and we can’t wait for our students to experience the new Union building in all its glory. It looks amazing and is brimming with things to see, do, eat, drink and more. We’ve been developing the spaces for five years now, and we know our students are going to love it.”

The new location will also promote a sustainable lifestyle to students and will feature a Zero Waste Shop where students can purchase environmentally friendly items, including cleaning products and a rotational showcase of sustainable brands from Scotland and beyond.

Due to the pandemic, the building will re-open and operate at a reduced capacity and further safety measures such as cashless ordering through QR code, Track and Trace and mandatory face covering when moving around the building will be implemented.

The Union is additionally running a “Community Immunity" campaign, fronted by the Student Executive with the aim of encouraging students to get double vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them.

“We’re aware that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away,” Rapson said. He added: “We’ve put a number of measures in place to ensure we’re returning to campus responsibly. We want our students to get the best out of the new Union without having to worry, so we’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure we’re going above and beyond current guidance.”

For more information on how we are keeping our students safe please visit our Community Immunity Campaign.