Glasgow University Union - Closure of The Hive

Closure of The Hive

In the autumn of 2011, it emerged that the university was considering proposals to knock down the union's extension building and replace it with increased sports facilities. The union's extension building currently houses five of the union's bars and its nightclub, The Hive.

The reaction to these proposals was met with anger among the student population, particularly as loss of the union's nightclub, would result in the closure of the union.

As a result, the union Board of Management campaigned and lobbied the university senior management group, which resulted in national press attention. Many of the union's alumni reacted to the news of this decision with Duncan Hamilton saying: "This is a total failure to appreciate that for many alumni the GUU was the most influential and important part of their university life."

As a result, the university abandoned its original proposals; rather, opting for a joint-venture for union and sports facilties. University of Glasgow principal Professor Anton Muscatelli issued a statement saying: "The University will only commit the Sports Extension when we are also able to commit to a development of GUU social space that will sustain its activities."