UEA’s Student Newspaper
Issue 290 • Free • Tuesday 3 December
Merry Christmas from everyone at Concrete! @Concrete_UEA /ConcreteNewspaper ConcreteUEA
Inside... A better use for sprouts?
Exclusive: University pledges £6m to redevelop Union House
New studies show that brussels sprouts could be used as a sustainable energy source Science & Tech P. 15
Don Jon - review We take a look at Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directional debut Film V. 20
Secret Santa sorted Read our guide to buying festive gifts Lifestyle P. 18
Billy Sexton News Reporter In the aftermath of the #WhatIf campaign, the University of East Anglia have agreed to spend £6m on Union House and the surrounding area. Director of Estates at the University, Roger Bond, said: “Following recent discussions, the University is pleased to confirm that it intends to invest around £6m into student facilities both within Union House and the surrounding student services area. We will now be working with the Students’ Union and others to ensure that the planned redevelopments meet students’ needs, both now and in the future.” The Union has welcomed this investment, with Finance Officer Joe Levell claiming: “This is great news for students. Our members have been telling us they need more social learning space, more space for clubs and societies and better places to relax between lectures, and we’re looking forward to working
with the University over the next couple of years to deliver it.” The #WhatIf campaign gave UEA students a chance to suggest how they would like the Union House to look and what functions they would like a refurbished area to fulfil. Students were invited to write their ideas on a blank floor plan on the wall of the Hive, where the most popular suggested change was to incorporate more comfortable seating such as bean bags, sofas and booths into Union House, essentially the creation of a relaxing environment where students can go to take a break from their studies and teaching. Students also suggested the refurbishment of The Nick Rayns LCR and for this project to include a retractable stage to allow more attendees to the popular club nights at the venue. Suggestions were also put forward to improve the dance floor and smoking area. Additional suggestions included the provision of more hot food, including ‘pub grub’ and a Sunday carvery. Students also
want more vibrancy and colour in Union House, with more natural light, better toilets and an improvement in access for people with disabilities. The Union also conducted an online survey throughout the campaign, where it was found that undergraduate students consider quiet and social space as a clear priority, along with a refurbished LCR. One respondent commented: “many at the 50th anniversary said the building hadn’t changed since they left… The layout is amazing, but with a bit of new paint, new colours, modernising, new seating arrangement etc. it could look up to date and would be a much more enjoyable space to spend time.” Postgraduate students also prioritised the Union maintaining their provision of graduate social space, alongside quiet and social working space. One respondent said: “The Grad bar is a great space, so glad we have it, but it could do with some love and attention to make it more comfortable and welcoming! Some space for working other than the library or the basement would be appreciated.”