Get a new building or refurbish our current home?

We’d like to know what you think would be best and what you’d like from either a new or refurbished Student Union building. Take the quick survey below to get started.

Which would you prefer?

What happens next?

We’ll use the feedback we gather from students to help shape the future plans for the Student Union building. We’ll keep you up to date as we go along.

At the end of the survey, you can leave your email address if you'd like to be involved in helping shape our future space.

Join the conversation on the future of your Student Union

#HWUnionSpace

History of the Student Union Building

The Students Association received its charter in 1966, at that time it was located in Brown Square House, next to the Chamber Street Museum.

New premises were acquired for the Students Association on Grindlay Street. Over three levels this space was palatial to Brown Square House affording us the opportunity to open a shop, catering and finally a bar.

Move to Ricccarton

In 1972 the Student Association opened an office in the Physics building at the Riccarton Campus, along with a small shop.

A small stone building (known as the Temporary Union) where the PG Centre now sits housed a bar, catering and a disco area for 18 years.

Grindlay Street closed in 1989, and temporarily moved in to a portacabin while our new building was finished.

Student Union Building

We have been in our current building since 1991, with a cafe, bar, pool room, venue and offices.

Around 1998 an extension was added to the building, providing a new Committee Room, reception area and staff offices.

Our Current Home

The last refurbishment work took place over the summers of 2011 & 2012, updating Libertys, Zeros, Geordies, the Foyer and Reception.

We also added two new meetings rooms for student groups to use.