'State-of-the-art' student centre at the University of Limerick set to re-commence construction

CONSTRUCTION of a “major state-of-the-art” student centre at the University of Limerick (UL) is set to be completed by mid-2024, eight years after students initially voted to fund 80% of the project.

The student centre, located next to the Stables Complex in UL will re-commence construction from Monday following a lengthy halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs.

UL President Kerstin Mey commented: “The delivery of these student-focused projects demonstrates UL’s commitment to providing top-class facilities that will enhance the student experience.

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“UL has the highest ranking of all Irish third-level institutions for student experience and the new student centre will further enhance the fantastic on-campus offering that UL is renowned for,” she added.

Monami Construction has been appointed to complete the contract.

The €34m project will see the construction of a 3,529 square metre building consisting of four storeys and a basement.

The student centre forms part of a raft of new campus facilities that also include the 22-acre Maguire’s Field pitches and the climbing wall at the UL Arena, which have already been completed.

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“Our sporting facilities are already second to none and this much anticipated new student centre will support the student journey through UL and will be a space where they can relax and be supported,” Professor Mey added.

The existing student centre, located in the Stables Courtyard, dates to 1999 when the student population was half what it is now. There has also been a huge growth in the number of student clubs and societies, with membership likewise increasing.

“[The student centre] will add significant value to the student experience, greatly enhancing the campus for future generations. I commend the students who had the foresight in 2016 to support the plans via a levy to redevelop Maguires Pitches and to build this new student centre and the climbing wall. It will truly leave a lasting legacy for all future students who come to UL,” Professor Mey added.