Administrators at Coventry University have apologised to media students for the series of setbacks that have deprived them of crucial facilities.

More than 350 performing arts, culture and media students threatened to withhold their fees unless something is done to provide them with computer, video, and photographic facilities at the Ellen Terry building.

The former Odeon cinema was due to be converted in time for the new term at Coventry University, but fell behind schedule.

University managers have responded to the threat of a fee strike by angry students.

Director of Corporate Affairs Cyrrhian Macrae said today:

“We hold our hands up to the fact that there have been a number of problems associated with the Ellen Terry building.

“In an ideal world these would have been solved before the start of term. But it’s not an ideal world and our problems stemmed from the fact that one of our major contractors working on mechanical services within the building went bankrupt back in August.

“At this stage the university was irrevocably committed to the move: staff were fully packaged and ready to relocate.”

Ms Macrae said as soon as problems emerged a taskforce comprising Estates and School representatives, chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor responsible for campus development was set-up to arrange alternative teaching accommodation.

She said:

“No teaching programme has been prevented from taking place. Most of the substitute space has been next door in the old library building so students were not duly inconvenienced.

“But in addition, where specialist space was required for dance students, who have hired spaces at Leasowes Avenue and elsewhere on campus.”

She said the courses have been re-arranged to fit in with the availability of other specialist equipment, and said that photographic studios and dark rooms are now available and the video editing facilities are now in use.

Two areas – dance and public performance spaces will not be ready until the end of November.

Ms Macrae said that disabled students have not been barred from the building, but those with mobility problems have to inform the safety officer when they are on site so their safety can be monitored. She added that refuges are now fully operational and will be sign-posted today.

Ms Macrae said:

“We accept that things have not gone well as a direct result of problems with a sub-contractor, which meant it as difficult for us to gain lost ground and we apologise sincerely for that.

“Staff and students have coped very well with a situation that was not ideal and we thank them for their forbearance.

“What is important, however, is to remember that before long we will be in possession of some of the finest performing arts and communication, culture and media facilities in the UK.”

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