By Matthew McEvoy
Kingston University chiefs are planning to levy a shocking additional fee on struggling students, in order to make cosmetic changes to an ageing Penrhyn Road.
In a move that is bound to enrage students already feeling the pinch, KU bosses look to charge the 30,000 strong student body a one-off payment of £50 each, to fund the £1.5m cost of re-facing the original Main Building.
The Main Building will be designed to look like the contemporary John Galsworthy building that sits in the middle of the Penrhyn Road campus, and will take six weeks to complete.
April outrage
Student representative April Olof condemned the move, saying: “This is outrageous, do they honestly think they can get away with it?
“With the rise in tuition fees and all that, do they really think they can just bung on an extra £50? Honestly, it is shocking.”
Sneaky bosses gained planning permission seemingly under the radar, and planned to ‘break ground’ on April 1, the first day of the Easter holidays, in order to minimise disruption during a busy exam season.
The revamp will however continue into a critical period of the academic calendar, and there are concerns it may affect those who stay at university to study over Easter.
One third year Pharmacy student said: “It is ridiculous, I am at the library from 7.30am to 11.30pm and expect to work in total silence.
“How will I study with that constant racket? Besides, everything is going to look far to shiny and glossy for my liking.”
Priorities first
Some have welcomed the change however, with some students saying the revamp is only fair. Laura Lyn Hardy, a second year media and cultural studies student said: “Kingston Hill get their multi-million pound business centre, and Knights Park get a whole new library,
“Penrhyn Road has only had a café in the library and an entrance like the Crystal Maze – why shouldn’t we get a lovely new(ish) looking building?”
An insider on the university planning and surveying commission said: “This won’t be it either – it’s believed there will be plans to demolish the Tower Block, to make room for a drive-through Krispy Kreme; it would be a fantastic money spinner.”
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