U3A language classes are expected to be the first classes to be staged at the new U3A facility when it opens in 2025.
U3A president Janese Lowe said years of planning and a 15-year vision had finally been realised with a sod turning for the new facility on November 8 at the Redland Research facility, Delancey Street at Cleveland.
She said the 100sq m facility would feature an administration area, meeting room and multiple classrooms. The cost is $400,000.
“We have been fortunate to receive donations from many people and major grants from the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Redland City Council. These have enabled us to commence construction of this building project,” Janese said.
The land is being leased through an arrangement with the state government.
“It is our hope the facility will be finished by October 2024. We are told it will be at lock up stage shortly,” Janese said.
“It will be our own home and we hope that by having this facility, it will bring this community together. It will be wonderful. Our members will have the freedom to come and to go,” she said.
Currently, the U3A Redlands has 1200 members with 80 classes per week in 45 different activities.
U3A Redlands celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and, for the past 23 years, has run its administration through an office provided by Cleveland State High School.
“For all these years we have been connecting seniors in the Redland community to the life-long learning and friendship – this is the U3A ethos – and now in this new phase of our U3A Redlands chapter we will have a dedicated building for our office administration, for our business and social meetings, and for some of our academic classes.
“The new facility means our members can enjoy easy access and the freedom to come and to go.”
