Community halls in the Redlands have been made more accessible and many have been given a facelift following a Council project.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the project , which was adopted at today’s Council meeting, was designed to review the utilisation of local community halls and implement ways to ensure they remain accessible and fit for use.
“These improvements have resulted in upgrades to most halls, including internal and external painting, new roofs and new kitchens,” she said.
“In some cases Council has also partnered with other levels of government to complete major upgrades of halls, such as work at the Point Lookout Hall.
“Council has also implemented new booking and management systems that have made halls more accessible for residents.
“The new centralised booking system makes it easier for people to use the halls, delivering greater efficiencies for Council and the community.”
Community wellbeing spokesperson Cr Wendy Boglary said the halls were an important part of local communities.
“Community halls are critical to the fabric of the community, providing the opportunity for social connection, community development, business enterprise and cultural development,” she said.
“The improvements have resulted in an overall increase in hall use across the city, which is fantastic news.
“Most local halls still have plenty of capacity to host local events, functions and meetings so I encourage everyone to make use of them because at the end of the day they belong to the community.”
As part of the project, Council investigated the long term future of local halls, with particular focus on the Birkdale School of Arts, the Cleveland Assembly Hall and the Alexandra Hills Community Hall.
“Council engaged with stakeholders to look at whether these halls should be retained and if so how we ensure they best serve the community,” Cr Boglary said.
“At the end of the day, these halls provide important benefits to the community so Council feels it is important that they stay within the community so they can continue to deliver these benefits.”
Community halls can be booked by phoning 3829 8999.