The Students’ Union is extremely disappointed to hear that Fferm Penglais will not be opening on the date that was agreed on between Balfour Beatty and Aberystwyth University. The SU was clear in our statement on 04/08/2014 that we were concerned about the revised timetable for opening Fferm Penglais and that we felt that this would cause inconvenience to some students. Our statement was therefore, true.
SU officers have visited the site and we agree with the University’s recent statement that they are “committed to ensuring that the accommodation provided at Fferm Penglais is of the highest possible standard, and has not compromised on the quality in order to ensure the quickest delivery date.” We are in agreement that students should not move to Fferm Penglais until it is finished and of the highest quality.
The SU have requested that Aberystwyth University show us the independent report from the independent certifier, (whom was responsible for updating the University on Fferm Penglais developments) from August 2014. The University has already responded offering to meet and exchange this information and for us to meet the Fferm Penglais team.
At University Governance Committees, of which we attend, Aberystwyth University reported that they were, following advice from Balfour Beatty and others that the programme for completion of Fferm Penglais (with an initial date of 31st of October from Balfour Beatty and a ‘long stop’ date finishing on the 15th of December, 2014) was achievable.
However, it was reported to us in the University Governance Committees on the 24th of September and 21st of November that risks remain for this completion date. We are disappointed therefore that the University have failed to share their concerns with students on the risks of date completion, of which they were made aware in mid-November.
This delaying is not acceptable. Indefinitely the Students’ Union recognises that the blame for delays at Fferm Penglais is fully upon Balfour Beatty. We would like to assure students that the Students’ Union will be continuing to work with the University to ensure clear and constant communications is done with the students who are affected.