A better Students’ Union. Designed by you.

We've been refurbishing the Richmond Building, home of Bristol SU, and it's now open for business! Learn more about what it has to offer.

Study spaces

The link areas have been transformed into three floors housing over 200 study spaces. Whether you want to get some work done on your own or meet up with a group, we've got plenty of room. There's space to plug in laptops and whiteboards for getting your ideas down.

The Balloon Café/Bar

Our very own Bristol SU bar! Come on down and fill up on tasty locally-sourced food, or grab a cup of coffee as an afternoon pick up in between lectures. We're also running a weekly programme of events during term-time - check the What's On section for the latest info.

The Basket: Your SU shop

Our merchandise shop has undergone a makeover and has its own boutique space. If you’re looking for some new gym gear or thinking of buying your parents a gift, there’s everything from classic USA hoodies to I <3 Bristol Mugs or Bristol Blue glass products. Take a look at our shop website to see what’s on offer or pop in to The Basket next time you're at the SU.

Activity spaces

We've revamped the existing activity rooms and added more based on what you asked for. As well as general-purpose rooms to suit a range of student activities, there are dedicated rooms throughout the building:

• Dance studio
• Pottery room
• Music practice rooms
• Photographic darkroom
• Media suite

Theatres

The Winston Theatre has an updated look and plush seating for maximum comfort during performances. Right next door is the brand new Pegg Studio Theatre for smaller-scale productions.

Gender neutral toilets

These are available on the 3rd and 4th floors of the building. Find out more about gender neutral toilets.

Accessibility

Disabled Go have conducted a full audit of the Richmond Building which can be read here.

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Building opening hours (term-time)

• Monday - Friday: 8am - 11pm
• Saturdays: 8am - 11pm
• Sundays: 10am - 9.30pm
• Closed Bank Holiday Mondays

Building opening hours (out of term)

• Monday - Saturday: 8am - 10pm
• Sundays: Closed

SU Office hours:

• Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
• Saturday & Sunday: closed

Balloon Bar:

Term-time

• Monday - Saturday: 8.30am - midnight
• Sunday: 08.30 - 23.00

Outside of term

• Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 16.00
• Sundays: 9.00 - 16.00

Opening hours change for specific events e.g. graduation, open days etc.

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External bookings: Room Hire & Conferencing

Situated in one of the most vibrant cities and best known universities in the UK, Bristol Students’ Union offers a wide range of affordable spaces for all kinds of events.

The Richmond Building offers a large, adaptable conference space in the Anson Rooms, two theatres, exhibition spaces, two bars and a variety of meeting and activity rooms. It is a unique facility within the city offering a wide range of spaces to meet the needs of any event. At evenings and weekends during term time our spaces are used for a vast array of student activities: everything from high-profile gigs and student theatre to martial arts training. Outside of these times a range of event, performance and rehearsal spaces are available for hire.

For more information about our venue hire service, visit our Venue Hire website and download our Venue Hire pack. Please note that this service is not available for our students, if you are a student wishing to book in a space in the Richmond Building or organise an event with the SU, please see our Room Bookings page.

Events

We can host large or small events and functions in our rooms or bars - please contact us to discuss and get a quote.