UCL Union’s dreams of a bigger, better student union have been dashed, with the University of London deciding that ULU should retain control of its flagship Malet Street building.

As reported in May’s London Student, the central university had asked individual colleges to submit expressions of interest in taking over ULU’s HQ.

Only UCL and ULU put in bids for the Bloomsbury student hub, and UCL had been widely expected to win the head-to-head battle following years of mismanagement and financial losses at ULU.

But ULU sources say that this year’s financial improvement – with ULU set to turn a profit for the first time in years - has made all the difference.

ULU Acting President Joe Martin said: “ULU has demonstrated this year that it can make money and be effectively managed and this was one of the main factors influencing the decision and is a strong testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our staff and trustees.”

He added: “The decision is final, although no formal statement has come from the university just yet.”

An official statement was expected later today (Friday 1 August).

UCL Union’s Communications and Services Officer Charlie Clinton told London Student: “We have not heard anything from UL as yet and so we have no comment on the ULU building.”

Martin added: “This year we have taken great strides forward in addressing the number of issues and concerns from our key stakeholders and funders and this decision gives future ULU sabbaticals the chance to build on these foundations and try and make ULU a stronger, more relevant, and value for money service.”

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Bloomsbury, Malet St, UCL, UCL Union, ULU, University of London