Student Centre Precinct
UCD continually strives to provide students with a rounded, high quality student experience. The development of the Student Centre Precinct will provide further access to a wide range of additional cultural and leisure pursuits.
The Precinct will see an expansion of the original Student Centre opened in 2000. Included in the new development will be a dance studio, drama theatre, debating chamber, music recital space, multi-media centre, gym and swimming pool. Also included will be a suite of presentation rooms and space for further health and counselling services.
This development builds on the success of the existing Student Centre which currently houses Student Health Services, the Student Consultative Forum (administrative area for 115 societies), Students’ Union offices, a pharmacy, a café as well as general purpose halls, meeting rooms, exhibition and event facilities.
A unique aspect of this project is the funding provided by UCD students towards part of the capital development through the Student Centre Levy. Student agreement for this funding was approved in a referendum held in April 2006. The result of this will see the current Student Centre more than double in size. The building will be architecturally sympathetic to the existing Student Centre, whilst employing green energy design solutions.
The Student Centre Precinct will bring cultural and sporting pursuits together within one dedicated area of the Belfield Campus. The plan for this area sees the extended Student Centre, swimming pool and fitness centre supported by a refurbished and extended Sports Centre, Clubhouse and Institute for Sport and Health. Proposals are also being put together for a multi-purpose hall. This hall would provide flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of uses for students, elite athletes and patrons of the UCD Institute for Sport and Health.
The development will also include a multi-storey car park and associated infrastructure.
