The new name of the temporary Students' Union Building has been chosen - and it's not Building McBuildingface!
The University of Portsmouth has officially chosen a new name for the LSI Building in Montgomery Way, which will temporarily house the Students’ Union (SU) while a state-of-the-art Student Hub is constructed on the existing SU site along Cambridge Road.
Following a vote in October, where over 3,000 students and staff participated via the SU’s Hot Topic survey, the winning name, Neptune Building, received an overwhelming 64% of the vote. The name reflects the building’s historical significance in the planning of D-Day.
A name rooted in history
Originally opened in 1938 as Commercial Chambers, the building initially housed an office and stationery supplier and provided training for young architects through the College of Art, one of the University’s predecessors.
It then served as the headquarters of Force S, the naval force responsible for transporting the 3rd British Division to Sword Beach in Normandy for D-Day. The naval aspect of D-Day was codenamed Operation Neptune, after the Roman god of the sea.
Although playful suggestions like "Study McUnion," "Building McBuildingface," and "Greggs Lookout" were submitted, it was ultimately decided that a name reflecting the building's historical significance would be more fitting and reinforces the importance of Portsmouth’s naval heritage.
Looking ahead: the new Student Hub
The temporary relocation of the Students’ Union is part of the University’s ambitious £250 million Estates Masterplan, which includes the development of a vibrant Student Hub on the Cambridge Road site. This hub will offer:
- Spaces for study, relaxation, and socialising
- A student kitchen and lounge
- A wellbeing suite and events space
- Additional study and flexible working areas
Once the Student Hub is complete, SU activities and services will move into the new facility, and the Neptune Building will be repurposed for other university uses. Students and SU activities will relocate to the Neptune Building early next year, with signage updates reflecting its new name.
Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.
Architects impression of the exterior of the Student Hub