YUSU finally move to new building

After a total delay of close to a year, the University of York Students Union has moved into its newly expanded premises in James College.

The original completion date was September 2011, and the first announcement of delays at the start of the academic year was met with criticism from students as sabbatical officers were less visible and approachable to the average student in their temporary offices, a situation that then-President Tim Ellis noted was not "ideal".

Despite the lack of available space, services remained open throughout the building renovation, and are expanding as a result of the changes.

Although the original bill was close to £500,000 to YUSU alone, it is unclear as to whether costs have escalated as a result of the delay. YUSU believe that the changes will help to reduce long-term costs, however, and were able to open in time for the 12,000-person strong Open Day.

Re-elected sabbatical officer Bob Hughes explained what has changed; "YUSU's Reception and Printing Room have moved over into the new area, as well as the full-time officers, and we have now gained a meeting room. Perhaps most exciting for students is that there is now a lounge space which can be used for studying, meetings and generally relaxing. We've already found ourselves in there quite a bit because it has a nice feel and it is a great place to sit and work, and we hope students feel the same!

"I think that the completion of the Student Centre is a great moment for YUSU, both in terms of making what we do for students more visible, but also in making it easier for students to know where and how they can access the officers and staff for information, support and guidance. And for us as officers, it's incredibly exciting to know that for the next intake of students we have a central Union space to welcome students into."

The Building's design is in the same style as some of the new buildings on Hes East.