HWUSU to close down union building

Heriot-Watt University Students’ Union (formerly Heriot-Watt University Students' Association) has been forced to make major changes to its premises after falling into financial difficulty.

The Journal first reported back in January that HWUSU approached the university authorities and asked that issues concerning association funding and resource allocation be referred to an external consultant. The university therefore conducted an independent review and announced its findings in April.

It was decided that the main association building, first built in 1991, was no longer financially viable to keep operational and therefore was to be closed down. Plans for a new smaller venue are underway.

As a result of the restructure, six people have chosen to leave the organisation. Post holders whose jobs were at risk of redundancy were notified of this and had the opportunity to apply to be job-matched in the new structure. None of the staff who left expressed an interest in this. In addition, The Journal understands the sabbatical officers have received pay rises. 

HWUSU president Simon Eltringham told The Journal: “As part of this restructuring, based on a drop in the level of student demand and the nature of our work, 6 of our 92 staff left the organisation.

“The restructuring will allow us to move to a more dynamic operating model and make savings which we are investing right back into student facing activity, protecting student employment in The Union and ensuring we deliver value for money in our outlets and activities.” 

Mr Eltringham has also confirmed that he and the other sabbatical officers have received a pay rise: “The Students Association Council agreed an adjustment to the salary of all three sabbatical office bearers to bring this in line with the national average for similar Associations.” 

Mr Eltringham explained that Heriot-Watt students had been choosing city centre hang outs in favour of their union building: “Student lifestyles change over time, and this has had implications for the level of on-campus entertainment provision and other support services they are looking for from student unions.

“With this in mind and with a view to the long-term implications for the sustainability of the Union, Heriot-Watt University Students’ Union asked the University to fund an independent review for the best way forward.

“The Union couldn’t continue operating the way it has been and urgent change was needed to create a strong student union that actually delivered for Heriot-Watt Students.

“As fewer students were making use of the existing entertainment, catering and bar provisions on campus, the HWUSA entertainment provision is being moved to a more compact and central venue, tying in with a major University upgrading of student-facing service provision."

“This will mean a new, upgraded social and entertainments facility in the heart of the Edinburgh Campus and special events run in the city centre throughout the year. It will be tailored to the needs and requirements of today’s student population and right next to other student-facing services such as finance and support provision, with the work of the Union being more focused on student representation, welfare and support services.”

Mr Eltringham assured The Journal that Heriot-Watt students would be consulted over the new Union plans: “Discussions are underway to look at relocating the entire Union space to another location on campus and this process will have full student involvement to make sure it meets student needs now and in the future.

“This is an exciting time for the Student Union as we move forward to become a stronger Student Union. We are refocusing our efforts on representation, volunteering and student activity and at the same time providing excellent services and great value.”