Work begins on new state-of-the-art school in Kildare
A new three-storey school building extending to almost 9,732 square metres
Construction work has officially begun on a major €16 million redevelopment project at Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge, Co Kildare which will deliver a new state-of-the-art campus for students and staff.
The large-scale development at the Naas Road school will involve the phased demolition of most existing school buildings while allowing the school to remain operational throughout the construction period.
At the centre of the project is a new three-storey school building extending to almost 9,732 square metres. The facility will include 37 general classrooms, specialist teaching rooms, multimedia suites, a library, staff accommodation and a dedicated special needs unit.
Plans also include a new single-storey multi-use sports hall measuring more than 1,100 square metres, alongside extensive outdoor facilities including four multi-use ball courts, breakout areas, a sensory garden, riverside social courts and a dedicated engineering courtyard.
Existing temporary classrooms will remain in use during construction before being removed once the new development is completed.
The project also includes major infrastructure upgrades such as a new drainage system with sustainable urban drainage measures, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic roof panels, a new ESB substation and air source heat pump compounds.
Parking provision will include 85 car parking spaces, including disabled and electric vehicle charging spaces, as well as 340 bicycle parking spaces.
The riverside buffer along the site will be retained as part of the landscaping plans.
Planning permission for the development was granted in January 2023, with works officially commencing this month.
The development team includes Healy Partners Architects, McCullough Mulvin Architects and main contractor JJ Rhatigan & Co.
School authorities said the project represents a major investment in educational infrastructure in Newbridge and will provide modern facilities capable of meeting future demand in the growing Kildare town.