Download the Percy Gee Building appeal PDF brochure

From spring 2009, an 18-month major refurbishment and extension project will transform the Percy Gee Building into a Students’ Union fit for the 21st Century.

Originally serving a population of 800 students, primarily from the UK, the same facility now caters to the needs of over 10,000 campus-based students, drawn from all around the world. The building has over 35 different levels and is consequently disorganised, confusing and frustratingly inaccessible to students with disabilities. It is also worn and tired and past its serviceable best. The solution to these problems is both innovative and stunning.

A spectacular central atrium and courtyard area will join the north and south wings together, whilst an extension towards University Road will present a major new contemporary facade. The atrium will introduce a flood of natural light into the building which, combined with new ramps, lifts and levelled floors, will help to vastly improve accessibility.

Vital welfare, housing and financial advice is provided to thousands of students each year, and the Union is a home from home for 1,700 International students. It is also the base for action in the community through the student volunteer association, Contact.

There will be a new ‘Activities Resource Centre’ space to house and support the student societies, sports groups and the seven Affiliated Associations, including RAG, the International Students Association and Contact.

As a charity, all hard-earned profits from commercial activities are ploughed straight back into the Union and so the plans include exciting improvements and expansion of the shop, cafes, catering, bars and nightclub.

The green credentials of the building will also be improved through the use of natural light and ventilation, wind catchers on the roof and terrace, use of natural materials, solar panels and shading on the roof and a carbon neutral biomass boiler.

To learn more about the project and to keep up to date with its progress please visit www.percygee.org

The redevelopment is scheduled to be finished in time for the Freshers’ Fair in 2010. Trevor Page, Chief Executive of the Students’ Union, sums up the plans thus:

"This stunning building will bring our facilities into the 21st Century and establish Leicester as the Union of choice for aspiring students."

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