Each summer we undertake projects to update the Union buildings and keep things fresh. Last year we improved the entrance to the main SUSU building on Highfield campus, and I think you’ll agree that it’s had a huge impact providing a fantastic space in the heart of campus for students to meet and relax, while providing a suitable gateway into the Union and all its facilities.
This summer we’re going to be redeveloping “The Bridge”, our café bar at the heart of campus.
We’ve identified a need to provide a social space for a more mature audience, and have been particularly engaging with the postgraduate and international student community through focus groups and discussions. This space will be available for all, taking all the aspects of the Bridge which we love, and enhancing them to create something which helps us remain relevant to the wider student community.
We are keen to make this work as a comfortable place to eat, drink, relax and socialise during the day so we will be improving the furniture, the general ambiance of the room and of course the food and drink. In the evening, we want to make it work much better as a place for informal entertainments. Already popular as a space for our societies’’ events and jazz/comedy we will create a larger more central stage much better control of the daylight and acoustic improvements.
Alongside the physical development within the cost of the project we have also been given the opportunity to undertake work on the brand, to give the space a really strong identity. We’ll be working over the coming months on this brand.
This is where I would like your input and ideas. I’d like to know what you think of the current brand (if you think there even is one), and what you think would be a strong brand for the space moving forward.
Which unique or standout features should the brand focus on?
What should the space be known for?
Should it still be called the Bridge? Or is there another name which would suit the space?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’ll keep you update with progress on this project throughout the summer.
Sam