The National College Wing, or Faraday Wing as it is now called, was built on a site originally covered by 33 tall narrow houses, a railway signal factory and at least two other workshop blocks. The building was designed by Norman & Dawbarn Architects an opened in 1960 to house the National College for Heating, Ventilating, Refrigeration and Fan Engineering. It was officially opened on 20th November 1961 by the Minister of Education, Sir David Eccles. The College had for many years been linked to the Borough Polytechnic and in 1970 merged with it to form the Polytechnic of the South Bank. The building included specialist laboratories, lecture theatre and a specialist library maintained until the 1980s. In 1991 the building was refurbished and renamed the Faraday Wing in honour of Michael Faraday who was born in Newington Butts.
The first issue was produced as a research report entitled 'Bright Light'. Subsequent issues were produced as newsletters.
The Executive Committee manages the daily running of the Union and all student activities.
The first Excellence in Education Awards were held in 2013. The awards were introduced to celebrate teaching and support staff who had made a positive impact on students' learning experiences. 245 individuals were nominated by students across seven categories. The seven categories for nomination were: Outstanding Lecturer; Personal Tutor; Supervisor of the Year; Best Academic Feedback; Outstanding Student Support; Exceptional Support beyond Teaching; Outstanding Course Rep. The awards ceremony was held in Edric Hall on Tuesday 23 April at 5pm.
Dr Frank Evans worked in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at South Bank Polytechnic.
Ethelm House (Waterloo Centre) was situated on Cornwall Road and leased by South Bank University until the late 1990s. It was used as teaching space, primarily for short courses.
ESL Publishing Group was run by the Language and Literacy Unit and was a part of the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA).
Erlang House on Blackfriars Road was rented by South Bank University from 1995 until 2009 when the Faculty of Health moved to the new K2 building.