Lighting the way to innovative learning
Schools
Kildare College is embarking on a transformative journey to replace its first and original 1966 building with the Lightbridge Centre, a $15m state-of-the-art performing arts and wellbeing facility.
With enrolments growing by 65 per cent since 2018, the new centre will cater for the needs of the community and is testament to the college’s innovative and progressive approach to education and infrastructure.
The Lightbridge Centre will be the third building constructed at the Holden Hill college within eight years as part of a masterplan.
The Brigidine Centre, officially opened in 2019, features a gym, dance studio and music facilities. The Tullow Centre, opened in 2022 as an innovation hub, is home to a construction zone, Science/STEM/Digital Technology laboratories, media studio and auditorium.
The Lightbridge Centre will provide extensive artistic opportunities at the all-girls’ college, providing a dynamic space fostering innovation, creativity, critical thinking and communication skills.
The new build will include a 500-seat high-tech performing arts theatre with versatile performance and rehearsal spaces, a contemporary wellbeing area including counselling rooms and mindfulness areas, learning enrichment facilities for staff, café, gallery spaces and six classrooms.
“At the core of The Lightbridge Centre lies a commitment to nurturing creativity, wellbeing, and holistic development,” said Tina Neate, Kildare College principal.
“Every aspect of this space will be designed to allow our students to explore their potential, whether through performing arts, academic support or wellbeing services.
“The Lightbridge Centre name symbolises the illuminating path of knowledge, creativity and wellbeing, intertwining with the core values of the Brigidine Sisters and Nano Nagle, pioneers in education and within Kildare’s history.
“As the college prepares to farewell the original 1966 building, we do so with excitement for the future.”
Expected to be open in late 2026, coinciding with the college’s 60th anniversary, Mrs Neate said the Lightbridge Centre was “the culmination of years of growth, dedication and vision, guiding the community towards a future brimming with possibility”.
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