The ANU Union is in "survival mode" and has lashed out at the Australian National University after failing to win a tender to run the uni's bar during the redevelopment of Union Court.
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The student body, which has managed ANU Bar for several decades, has expressed concern for its finances and presence among students once its current headquarters is knocked down during stage one of the $220 million Union Court and University Avenue revamp.
ANU Union has been given space in the pop-up village set to serve as the uni's food and entertainment hub until the redevelopment is complete but will not operate the bar nor manage the space.
Union chairman Tom Lindenmayer said the body was disappointed it didn't receive a look-in from the university to run the projects as not-for-profits so it could continue to direct funds towards student projects and needs.
"The university ran a tender process and we weren't successful in that tender process which surprised us a lot given the extensive history the ANU Bar has of providing affordable drinks … concerts on campus and social events as well, so things like Oktoberfest and St Patrick's Day, which we've been doing for so many years and providing that cultural hub for the university," he said.
"Our view is that as a university union we're in survival mode.
"We want to be able to work out a solution with the university and those negotiations are continuing at the moment that will help us continue to and even ramp up some of those programs that we run on campus in the long-term."
An ANU spokesman said the university held an "open competitive tender process" and was pleased ANU Union would be part of the pop-up.
"The successful tenders were chosen based on value and the services they can provide for the ANU community," he said.
The Burley Group, which runs Betti Bravo's and Walt & Burley, will run the temporary bar. Tenders have not yet been released for the running of the bar once the redevelopment is complete in 2019.
The Union Court and University Avenue redevelopment, set to begin in July this year, will include new student accommodation, new learning spaces, underground parking for 400 cars, new pool and gym services and a purpose-built events, theatre and cinema building.
