Student bar to close as new LCC building opens in Elephant and Castle
University of the Arts London plans for new London College of Communication site exclude the student-run Darkroom Bar.
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The University of the Arts London (UAL) is preparing to open a new London College of Communication (LCC) building in Elephant and Castle in September 2027. However, plans for the new site will not include The Darkroom Bar, a venue run by students for students and staff.
Loss of student community space
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The Darkroom Bar, located in the current LCC building, serves as a meeting hub for student clubs and societies and provides employment for students. A UAL spokesperson confirmed that while there will not be a permanent bar, flexible student-led spaces, including a large activity area for Arts SU, have been decided through consultation with student union representatives. The spokesperson added that the new building will feature 20 per cent more technical resources space, including a cinema and studios for film, photography, and TV. UAL stated that gathering feedback as the building opens will remain a priority, with improvements to be made where necessary.
Rahul Patel, a lecturer at Central Saint Martins and former Joint Branch Secretary for the University and College Union (UCU) at UAL, described the decision as part of a trend of 'hyper-corporatisation' by UAL. He stated that the bar offers students agency and a self-run space, contrasting it with corporate-run food outlets like Pret a Manger in the area. A petition initiated by LCC Student Officer Zaine Cowan to save The Darkroom Bar had collected 1,719 signatures by 22 October.
Concerns over design transparency
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Beyond the future of The Darkroom Bar, the UCU has also raised concerns regarding staff involvement in the design and planning of the new LCC building. A survey conducted by a local UCU branch indicated that only 4.3 per cent of staff believed the building's design process was fair and transparent. Furthermore, the survey reported that 85.3 per cent of UCU members surveyed had not been given opportunities to participate in the design and planning stages.
A UAL spokesperson responded to these concerns by stating that over 600 staff and students participated in workshops that influenced decisions regarding teaching, technical, and student spaces within the new LCC building.
Wider staff disputes
The issues surrounding The Darkroom Bar and the new building are part of broader disputes between UCU and UAL, which also include concerns about staff pay and outsourced contracts. UCU members have highlighted alleged disparities in holiday leave, parental leave, sick pay, and pension schemes for some cleaning staff. Dr Kevin Biderman, a lecturer and LCC UCU branch co-chair, stated that these issues increase pay gaps for Black and Brown and LGBTQIA staff. UAL has stated that its cleaning contracts include the London Living Wage, predictable hours, and enhanced leave and sick pay, with further improvements planned from December.
Regarding pay gaps for Black and Brown and LGBTQI staff, UAL acknowledged that progress is being made but more work is required, with some pay gap measures increasing while others decreased. The university also noted its focus on improving representation in senior roles and addressing inequalities not always captured by quantitative data. UAL also addressed concerns over the withdrawal of its Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Policy in April 2025, stating it was to consider an evolving legal and regulatory landscape and that its commitment to supporting Trans and Non-Binary staff and students remains unchanged through existing policies.
Questions this report answers
+When will the new London College of Communication building open?
The new London College of Communication building is scheduled to open in September 2027. It will be located in Elephant and Castle and is expected to accommodate over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members.
+Will the student-run Darkroom Bar be included in the new LCC building?
No, a spokesperson for the University of the Arts London confirmed that the student-run Darkroom Bar will not be included in the new LCC building. While there will not be a permanent bar, UAL stated there will be flexible student-led spaces.
+What are staff concerns about the new LCC building design?
A survey by a local UCU branch found that 85.3% of members felt they had not been given opportunities to be involved in the design and planning of the new building. Only 4.3% of staff believed the design process was fair and transparent.
+How many people have signed the petition to save The Darkroom Bar?
As of 22 October, a petition launched to save The Darkroom Bar had gathered 1,719 signatures. The petition was initiated by LCC Student Officer Zaine Cowan.
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