£35,000 Kingston Union redevelopment opens

The new Kingston Union (KSU) space officially opened on Thursday after a year-long construction project. 

The upgrade includes multiple new seating areas, a new kitchen, KSU shop, office and an event space that can be hired by both students and staff alike.

The entire overhaul took a total of five years to be planned, designed and implemented.

Henry Hunt, the societies development officer at KSU, said: “I’ve never seen it empty now.

“It’s meant to be a space for students to exist.”

Construction has also expanded to an outdoor courtyard with seating. 

Hunt said: “It’s an open space meant to be really flexible for students to use and we want it to be chill.”

KSU’s rebrand efforts also included a total overhaul of the website, brand image and messaging for students.

The rebrand was influenced by student and staff focus groups to develop a new identity for the union and its merchandise.

Grace Richard, deputy CEO of KSU, said: “It was time to upgrade our brand to reflect our values.

“We were looking for something bold, dynamic and positive.”

Student Emily Foster’s illustrations are included on the website, with Richards mentioning the possibility for animations and further drawings to make the visuals exciting for students.

Kingston’s sport branding also got a shake up to align with its partner KSU. 

Richards also said: “We were looking for something bold, dynamic and positive.

“There is a lot more to be done.”

The student union is benefiting from continuing construction at Penrhyn Road, making the area a walkway for commuting students. 

Students looking for calm and comfort can find a spot to relax in the new social space and can talk to union representatives if in need of support.