1We're very grateful that the Committee has agreed that a representative for the Students' Union
2can present students' suggestions about the design for the proposed new Union building.
3We appreciate that some of our ideas may not be feasible in the circumstances,
4but we do feel that it is important that the ultimate beneficiaries of the facilities should have some say in its design.
5If I could start by briefly explaining what steps were taken to find out student opinion
6and how we have arrived at conclusions.
7Firstly, a meeting was held in the current Union for our SU Committee to explain the options.
8Then we invited all students to submit written suggestions for the design,
9placing cards in a suggestion box.
10These suggestions then provided the basis for the design of a questionnaire,
11which was completed by approximately 2000 of the College students
12over a period of three weeks.
13Finally, the SU Committee collated the results and drew up a report.
14If I can just hand around a copy of that report.
15This presentation is essentially a summary and discussion of the key points of this report.
16So, in broad terms, the consensus was as follows.
17Firstly, regarding the crucial matter of the site,
18we presented the three options that you have proposed.
19One: in the city centre, near the Faculty of Education;
20two: on the outskirts of the city, near the park,
21and three: out of town, near the halls of residence.
22We asked students to cite reasons for and against these sites and,
23and there was remarkable agreement on all three.
24Site One was unpopular because of traffic and parking problems.
25Site Two had a number of supporters,
26mainly because it was close to most lecture rooms.
27And Site Three, out of town, near the halls of residence,
28was clearly the most popular because of access from living quarters.
29It was clear that the Union was mainly to be used after lectures.
30It was also felt that the larger site would allow more room for a choice of facilities.
31Our second area of interest was obviously the facilities:
32there was minimal interest in having a library on the premises,
33but one option seemed to be a reading room instead - more useful.
34We would like the current table games room to be replaced with a small gym.
35And, if possible, a small swimming pool - not, of course, Olympic-sized!
36There was a large number of respondents in favour of a travel agent's and insurance centre.
37We also request that there be the offices of the Student Counselling Centre,
38moving this from the Refectory.
39There was, however, much disagreement about whether to build a drama theatre.
40Just over forty per cent of the respondents were in favour,
41but a largish minority were strongly against it,
42claiming that it is elitist and a waste of funds.
43Essentially the jury is out on that.
44Finally, given the number of unfortunate incidents in the current Union over the past few months,
45a strong point was repeatedly made about security.
46The recommendations would be at least video surveillance
47and security personnel who would check Student Union cards on request.
48We doubt if it would be feasible to have a check at reception of all people coming in.
49Well, this is the summary of the views of the student population.
50As I say, fuller details are given in our report but
51I'm happy to take any questions if...