Clubs on move as building closes

CLUBS and societies that use a Loughborough University building have had to move elsewhere as it is to be demolished to make way for new student accommodation.

The Mumford Arts Centre, which lies just off Ashby Road, is to be demolished as part of the university’s £40m plans to build new student accommodation.

A “handful” of clubs and societies, including Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU) Stage Society, used the centre.

A LSU spokesperson said: “Over the past few years the Mumford Arts Centre has been used by only a handful of our clubs and societies with any regularity.

“The closure of the centre brings many positives that outweigh any negative impact including a more convenient location for our students alongside large amounts of additional storage for our student groups to utilise.

“The new space also boasts a dynamic meeting and rehearsal space which is more suitably positioned for use across a wider range of activities and will therefore enable a more diverse proportion of our societies and student groups to access and benefit from the use of this space.”

A university spokesperson added: “The Mumford Arts Centre is being removed to make way for new student accommodation, with work due to start imminently. Any student clubs and societies that made use of the centre have all been found alternative facilities.”

The Echo previously reported the university’s accommodation plans include 617 bed spaces, an Elite Athlete Centre with 84 beds, a central ‘Hub’ building and warden’s house.

Ten existing buildings on campus are set be demolished and work is expected to be completed in September 2019.