Students have been assured of extra study space

The new learning space in Rootes Social building will not be ready to open at the start of term, but other measures have been put in place to cater for the revision period, the Boar can reveal.

The construction of ‘Learning Grid Rootes’ has faced several problems for which the University has had to hire additional contractors to deal with.

The 45-year-old Rootes Social building had unmarked pipes which had to be reassessed and an asbestos survey also found some materials contained the toxic substance, meaning construction work had to be re-ordered.

However a spokesperson for the University has told the Boar that other measures have been put in place to ensure students have enough space to study.

He said: “A temporary study space totaling 183 seats will be created on Rootes first floor opposite Café Fusion/Rootes Bar with wireless networking and two wireless printers.

“Access will be via the bridge passage from the Students’ Union. The facility will open 8am to 10pm over 7 days a week from 22 April until 19 May and additional Learning Grid staff will be present throughout opening hours.”

Regarding any potential disruption this may cause, he added: “We expect that the new temporary facility will have no impact on exams in Rootes.

“Food and drink outlet opening times will be amended and enhanced to sync with the study space hours.”

President of the Student’s Union, Nick Swain, said he was “pleased with the decision to offer the temporary space in the meantime”.

Second-year English and Film student Becky Long welcomed the extra space.

She said: “It doesn’t really matter if it’s temporary or not. As long as there is an alternative to the busy library I don’t mind.”