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The new-look building is part of the university's overall strategy to open up the space, improve the approach to ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº and to continue to provide students with an excellent experience.

The new facilities include a rehearsal room, dance studio, pub, café and entertainment venue. Other improvements include a ramp for better access and lifts from the basement up to the fourth floor.

The new building and facilities underlines ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº's commitment to improving the quality of life for students, and making the campus generally a more welcoming environment. It also provides improved facilities for staff based in the Lewis's building.

Professor Grant said: "It is truly a superb refurbishment and a model of what can be achieved by way of modern provision within the framework of an historic building. We owe a great deal to the architects for their imagination and perseverance, and to our contractors and our colleagues in ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Estates."

"We need also thank many of our alumni who have been generous in their financial support for the facility. Finally, gratitude should go to Dave Squires, ¹û¶³Ó°ÔºU General Manager and the student sabbatical officers of this and former years for their consistent and professional support."

The overall cost to redevelop the building has been just under £6m, with most of this provided by ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº. Alumni have also supported the cost of redevelopment, with over £1.2 million raised from a number of donors. The ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Union also provided funding of £350,000.

Commenting on the generous support from ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº alumni, Lori Manders, Director of Development and Alumni Relations said, "We had a wonderful response from Alumni and friends to this project which clearly demonstrates the support of the wider ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº family and their shared commitment to constantly enhancing the student experience. Many of those who have supported the project were actively involved in ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Union societies and activities during their time at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº, and will be delighted to see student life flourish in the new facilities."

Image: Malcolm Grant, ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº President and Provost, prepares to open the newly refurbished Lewis's Building