Major investment planned for Students’ Union as O2 era comes to an end

The University has outlined plans to invest in the future of student spaces across the Percy Gee Building. 

For decades, the Students' Union building has played a central role in student life, with a long and proud history of live entertainment, hosting bands, club nights and social events. That tradition will continue. While the current O2 Academy partnership is due to end in December 2026, plans are being developed to refresh the space during 2027 with an enhanced programme of club nights, concerts, activities and events for students. 

Investment to enhance student experience 

The changes form part of a wider investment aimed at enhancing the overall student experience and improving Students' Union facilities. 

Work is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and complete by the end of 2027. The redevelopment will include: 

• A refurbished nightclub facility 
• Expanded practice spaces for student societies 
• Additional social spaces for students to relax and connect 
• New and improved prayer and faith spaces 
• A refreshed Square area
• Additional storage areas for student society equipment  

Together, these upgrades are designed to make the Students’ Union more inclusive, functional and accessible for a wider range of students. 

More access, more often 

One of the key aims of the redevelopment is to make Students' Union spaces available throughout the week - not just for major club nights. Currently, much of the O2 area is used for external events and is often closed to students during the day and evenings. 

The new plans aim to change that, opening up more of the building for everyday student use. 

What about disruption? 

Students should be aware that there may be some temporary closures within the Percy Gee Building once work begins in January 2027. However, efforts will be made to minimise disruption. 

Student input will shape the plans 

At this stage, no final decisions have been made on the detailed plans. The University and Students’ Union will be engaging with students and student representatives over the coming months. 

This means there will be opportunities for students to have their say and help shape how these new and improved spaces will look and function. 

Media statement

A University of Leicester spokesperson said: 

“The University of Leicester has a long and proud history of live entertainment, hosting bands, club nights and social events that have been central to student life for decades. That tradition will continue. It is envisaged that a new operator will take over the running of a nightclub facility in the Students’ Union (Percy Gee) Building, in 2027, delivering a vibrant programme of club nights, concerts, activities and events for students. 

“This decision is part of a plan to invest in improving Students’ Union facilities across the Percy Gee Building. Work is set to begin in January 2027 and completed by the end of 2027, and is planned to: include a refurbished nightclub, expand practice spaces for student societies, create additional social and faith spaces, and refresh the Square area. 

“The redevelopment will make these spaces more accessible to students throughout the week, rather than primarily for Wednesday night events. At present, much of the O2 area is reserved for public events – run by O2 and external organisations – and is often unavailable to students during the day and evening. 

“We will be engaging with students and their representatives in the coming months to help shape these plans. The University will work to minimise the disruption to users of the building and associated facilities.”