Mandela Hall to be demolished under QUB management proposal

A new QUB management proposal would see Mandela Hall demolished.

The move was suggested to make way for a new student centre on site. If approved it would see the entire QUBSU building demolished to make way for a new students centre.

The SU building contains the 1,000 capacity  Mandela Hall venue in addition to three bars, the Speakeasy, the Bunatee bar and Bar Sub. Mandela Hall has stood as an iconic representation of student life in Belfast and the Speakeasy is a frequent hub for students following exams and class, famed for it’s cheap alcohol and lively crowd.

The iconic building as it stands currently

The move threatens hundreds of jobs within the Union and its venues in addition to depriving students of a venue that has hosted student club nights, comedy shows, DJ sets, live concerts and even pop up cinemas.

Psychology third year Lizzy Heads said “They’ve just renovated the Speakeasy, why would they consider demolishing it so soon after spending money improving the place?” The university are cutting student places and courses due to lack of funding, yet they’re proposing spending money destroying a perfectly good SU building and creating a new one – they need to sort out their priorities.”

Sorcha Convery, a Maths graduate said: “The Union is Queens. Queens is Union. If they knock that place down Mondays will never be the same. Had the best nights out there, double vodka and red bull for £4 was the only thing that got me through my degree.”

Mikel McCann, who organises events in conjunction with the Union said: “Mandela Hall is steeped in the history of Belfast and QUB, having hosted bands like U2 and many other great acts, the news is a bit of a shock, having recently started working with the SU on events and seeing a great group of people who comprise the security, bar staff and many others, it would be a sad loss for many of them and of course the students that it facilitates.”