Students’ Union bar returning at University of Wolverhampton’s City Campus?
University of Wolverhampton students are set to welcome a bar at its City Campus 15 years after the last one closed its doors – in a refreshed venue that has been designed by students.?
Luna Lounge is scheduled to open later this month in time for Welcome Week when new and returning students are back on campus.? It includes a space for live music as well as a deli and juice bar, named Deli Moon, with discounted drinks and food, and a new space to socialise, known as The Den.? Provided by the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union, and backed by the University, the project has created around 25 new jobs, mostly for students.?
The regeneration project is part of a “Proudly Wolverhampton” vision by the Students’ Union to provide ‘the best experience possible’ for students, working with city businesses – Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) and The Sassy Coffee Company – to make it happen.?
Students’ Union CEO Nirmla Devi said: “We have worked together in partnership with our students to create these exciting new facilities. Students have been involved in every stage of this project, from supporting initial research, and creative and wonderful interior design. They want this to be a vibrant, safe, fun, relaxing place for all students.?
“This brilliant space will be run by students for students – creating jobs which will provide great work experience, especially in business and hospitality. It has been designed by students from The School of Creative Studies, which we are delighted about.”?
University of Wolverhampton Interim Vice Chancellor, Professor John Raftery, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the Students’ Union on this exciting new initiative which will further improve our social facilities at our City Campus.??
“A sense of belonging is key for our students and creating bespoke social spaces is crucial to enhancing the student experience, Students faced a lot of challenges during the pandemic and many of them felt isolated when they had to stay at home. But now we are actively encouraging students to return to campus and benefit from interaction with their peers from a social and a learning perspective. I am sure that these new facilities will provide a focal point for bringing all our students together.”?
SU President Bisola Olatunji added: “Covid dealt a real blow to students’ experience and our sense of community was diminished. Ever since, we have renewed calls for improved facilities to enhance opportunities for more of a social life.?
“We believe this project will provide students with the opportunity to make new friends, create memorable experiences and feel like they are part of a community, overall improving the student experience for all.”?
A survey this spring revealed students supported the possibility of a new bar. An opening night is now planned for Friday 29 September 2023.? The bar will have a capacity of around 200 and will offer food and drinks with a stage for live music and karaoke. There will be a VIP area, as well as pool and foosball (note: Correct) tables.???
The SU has formed partnerships with two Wolverhampton businesses as part of the project – CMBC which is refitting the cellar, and Sassy Coffee, which will provide hot drinks.?
Carl Middleton, VP On Trade Sales at CMBC, said: “We are very pleased to support Wolverhampton Students' Union and the University of Wolverhampton with the new Luna Lounge, making a welcome return for the SU bar. CMBC has incredible heritage in Wolverhampton, with our Banks’s Brewery – which has operated for almost 150 years – only a short walk from the campus.??
“The bar will serve great-tasting brands from our portfolio like Brooklyn Pilsner, Carlsberg Danish Pilsner and Somersby Blackberry, alongside the fantastic alcohol-free San Miguel 0.0% so that everyone is catered for, whatever their preference. We hope all students, now and in the future, can enjoy the new bar and facilities, which will provide a welcome space to relax, socialise and enjoy the university experience with friends.”?
Sassy Coffee Company founder Rajesh Brigue said: “Being a University of Wolverhampton graduate, as well as the director of a local business, I’m committed to supporting students.
“This is another welcome step for us at the heart of the student community. I couldn’t be more pleased to supply hot drinks in the Deli Moon project and am looking forward to the opening of what can become a much-loved benefit of student life at City Campus.”
