The fate of Cardiff University’s ‘MedClub’ has now been decided in what should mark the end of a complicated and ongoing saga.
The club, which was once the heart of the medic social scene, has been under debate for the last three years after it began to lose popularity with medical students.
In the past, MedClub has been the hub of medic social events, with its 500 people capacity and the strong student attachment to it as part of their heritage.
However, in February 2006 (Issue 832) Gair Rhydd reported that the Union had been losing money through funding Medclub, whose club nights were regularly under-attended.
This led to the Union devising the ‘Heath Park Survey’ earlier this year, which sought feedback from students on a range of issues surrounding provision at the Heath site.
Using results from this survey, alongside results from the Student Satisfaction Survey, the Union developed a stance on the future of MedClub which stated that any redevelopment of MedClub by the University must adhere to conditions including the provision of a bar, a Students’ Union presence on the site and student input into the management committee.
Andy Button-Stephens, President of the Students’ Union, said: “We are pleased to advise students that this position has been accepted, that plans for MedClub are being redesigned and that it is hoped that redevelopment of MedClub can take place this session.”
A spokesperson from the University has stated that they are ‘relooking at designs for the space’ and particularly commenting on the definite provision of a bar.
Among the student population there has been a clear desire for change. Nick Bullock, a second year Medic said; “MedClub is in need of both a drastic interior redesign to bring it into the 21st Century, and a change in its whole ethos. I think that with renovation, and some inventive ideas for club nights it has the potential to become popular for all yeargroups.”
