Front of Union Building in the mid-70s

Front of Union Building in the mid-70s

Here we are at the final photograph, hanging next to the dart board. The scene predates the major works that were carried out over the summer and (unintentionally) into the autumn term of 1979. Although the Quad looks splendid in this photograph, problems were lurking a few inches below the turf. Large areas of the original tennis hardcourt remain causing waterlogging in the wetter months. Remedies were to remove lots of the hardcourt, drive drainage holes through the remaining bits of tennis hardcourt and to make major breaches in the vicinity of trees allowing the roots to grow through. The paths were sunk and the lawn areas were raised behind retaining walls.

The centre path opens up to a small paved projection which is the ‘landing’ from which rise steps up to the level of the building’s entrance. Later in the decade the entrance-level paving was extended. increasing the width of paved area. Later still came the raising of sunken lawn, removal of wall and installation of outdoor seating.

Notice that this photo is taken prior to the ceiling to floor doors being installed in the Union Building.