Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the major extension to the Stevenson building has dramatically taken shape over the past few weeks. The scaffolding that had been covering the building has now been removed from the main frontage to reveal the size and scope of the new facility. It provides extensive indoor sports amenities, and includes a replacement for the Hive nightclub.

‌The scaffolding on the Stevenson building coming down

Fitting out of the building will now proceed, and it should be ready to open early in the new academic year.

Getting active in the world-class facility

Euan Smith, Acting Director of Sport and Recreation said: 

“The addition to our main indoor facilities will provide the ideal backdrop for our students, staff and wider University community to be active. In addition to a new sports hall with viewing gallery, the Stevenson Extension will provide more than 1400sq m of space for world class strength and conditioning and cardio training provision. The very finest equipment is being sourced to ensure that the new building provides not only the space required for our members’ needs but to provide the best possible experience for regular and inexperienced exercisers alike. 

The opening of the extension also acts as a catalyst for some of the current Stevenson Building facilities to be renovated, increasing the number of studio type spaces available for our excellent class and course programme as well as the addition of an indoor cycling studio.”

Inside the cardiovascular suite. Work is under way to fit out the new suite.

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An asset to the student and local community

The Glasgow University Union’s side of the facility will encompass a purpose built nightclub complete with podium and twelve metre long bar area, two additional bar/performance spaces and a glass fronted Café Bar along University Avenue. This will be open to the public.

The Union has announced the new nightclub will be named ... The Hive!‌

An impression of the new nightclub in the GUU

An impression on the new Cafe/Bar in the refurbished GUU

The development also features the new rear stair project which will give lift access to every level of the existing GUU building and a complete renovation of the Billiards Hall into a mixed use Snooker/Sports Bar Area.

Rory Slater, President of the Glasgow University Union said, “The new spaces will be a huge asset not only to the members of Glasgow University Union and the wider student population but also the local community.

Over the coming weeks further details will be given on the new facilities that will be on offer and how students and staff can join.

Reshaping and expanding the University Campus

David Newall, Secretary of Court has overseen the project board. “The enhanced sporting facilities that will be provided in the Stevenson extension and the replacement for the Hive nightclub, and improvements to the Glasgow University Union, have been widely anticipated and will soon be delivered. This has been a major project for the University and should be seen as the first significant change to our Gilmorehill estate as we look to reshape and expand our campus.”

First published: 20 May 2015

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