Changes in the past year, which included the departure of manager Scott Muir, and confirmation it was part of a review of a campus-wide food, beverage and retail strategy, had some students and staff worried the bar could close and be lost as a platform for local bands.
Adrian Lowrey, who took over as manager of the University of Otago-owned bar last June, said rumours were so strong he had people ''ringing me up asking me if I wanted to sell the equipment because the bar was supposedly closing down''.
However, ''contrary to popular belief, nothing has really changed down here'', Mr Lowrey said.
“No-one at the university wants to see this bar close, because everyone recognises the value it holds for students.''
Other than a new name - U Bar - and ''maybe a little decor change,'' he had no intention of altering it and hoped it “will always remain as a live music venue in Dunedin''.
Wednesday's Pint Night, which has been enjoyed by students over the years, would also continue under the new name, ''social night''.
Mr Lowrey was already hospitality services manager at the university with responsibilities for the University Staff Club and the catering and events division, when his managerial duties were extended to include U Bar.
Despite working in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, managing U Bar was a unique opportunity for him.
Mr Lowrey said the aim for the bar was ''to create a more student vibrant campus after 5 o'clock''.
He hoped it would continue to serve the demand for live music in Dunedin.
''Local bands are very successful here because students find it easy to identify with them.''
The venue was booked out every night that it opens until the end of July.
-By Jessica Howard
