YUSU have finally confirmed the feasibility of their move for to take over Alcuin’s Cafe Barista.
YUSU President Kallum Taylor told Vision: “We’re really optimistic and excited with the business case for a service in Barista. We think we meet the concerns raised through the current failings of the service, and also have something new, and attractive to bring to the campus.”
The much-maligned cafe had been under threat of closure from the University before the Students’ Union raised complaints regarding the lack of student consultation.
The University claimed that the cafe was failing to turn over a profit and intended to turn it into a common room with a self -service coffee machine – an option YUSU were not happy with, and proposed their union-run alternative.
The Health Sciences department have subsequently voiced their approval of YUSU’s proposals for the cafe, and further support appears to be on the way.
Taylor said: “The support from the College is pending. If that comes, then we’ll seek approval from our Trustee Board to invest and make yet another service run by students, for students.”
Provided the University agree with YUSU’s proposal, the cafe should move into their hands by the 2013/14 academic year, joining The Courtyard, The Lounge, The Glasshouse and YourShop as the Union’s commercial outlets.
Second-year History of Art student Rose Basista said she was impressed by YUSU’s decision: “I feel really good about the fact that YUSU are going to this extreme to help students. I am sure this venture will be successful and am excited about seeing the new and improved Cafe Barista.”
Basista likes Barista?