UCA SA - Refurbishment plans to enrich communities

Refurbishment plans to enrich communities

Posted Oct 10, 2016 in News

The Uniting College of Leadership & Theology’s campus, located on Lipsett Terrace in Brooklyn Park, will soon begin a refurbishment process. The Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Team (BPRT) was appointed by the Standing Committee in late 2015 to develop plans for the site. The aim is for the refurbished campus to be operational in early 2018.

The BPRT has worked diligently to produce plans for an “integrated” campus style for the site – this will see the Adelaide College of Divinity and Uniting College of Leadership & Theology come together in an integrated hub where both educational institutions can benefit equally. The BPRT has also allowed space for Adelaide West Uniting Church to utilise the hub and to provide practical links for “hands-on” ministry education.

“The Brooklyn Park refurbishment project is a significant opportunity to build community and a campus where those utilising the facility and grounds can have input – it is built together,” says Rev Prof Andrew Dutney, Principal of Uniting College.

“I have great hopes for an enriched community where the church’s perspective will be broadened with increased training opportunities, particularly with links to other institutions and also Adelaide West.”

A presentation and discussion of the concept plans took place on-site at a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday 22 June. After further consultation and revision, the project has been approved by both the Standing Committee and the Resources Board. Building work is scheduled to begin at the start of 2017.

Plans are also underway for the refurbishment of the Uniting Church SA Synod office located on Pirie Street in Adelaide. This will be the first time the office has been refurbished since it was initially occupied over 15 years ago.

The plans will maximise the use of solar panels installed last year to reduce electricity consuption. Improvements will also be made to the office layout and design, including more open plan areas and maximising the use of space. Additional meeting areas will be incorporated to provide opportunities for training and development, and greater collaboration. It is expected that this refurbishment will be complete in 2017.