Bang the drum

Sheffield Hallam University's new student union opens this month - based in the silver drum buildings that once housed the National Centre for Popular Music. The Hallam Union Building of Sheffield will provide welfare and social facilities for 28,000 students. Kim Howells, the Higher Education Minister, who made a surprise visit to the union, said: 'It's the best students' union I've seen. And it's such a great use of a building that's had a very chequered history.'