Capital Works Update
Stage 3 Development Kildare Campus: Multi-Function Centre and Expansion of Hayden Building
We are getting very close now to the commencement of Stage 3 Capital Works at Kildare Campus which will see the construction of a cutting-edge Multi-Function Centre (MFC) alongside the expansion of the Hayden Building (General Learning Area). This ambitious project, designed by renowned architect Clarke Hopkins Clarke, is set to provide a new hub for creativity, community and culture.
The Multi-Function Centre: A Hub for Performing Arts, Physical Education and Collaboration
The heart of the new development, the Multi-Function Centre, will feature two spacious interior multi-sport courts, retractable seating for 800 people, a stage, as well as dedicated areas for dance, drama, music and office spaces. Additionally, a 250-seat Theatrette will provide a versatile venue for performances, gatherings, and presentations, solidifying our commitment to fostering a rich artistic and academic environment.
This modern facility will act as a dynamic platform for students and the broader community to engage in physical education, creative exploration, performance and expression. Whether it’s through the arts or community events, the centre is designed to inspire and enable the next generation of performers, creators and thinkers.
Extension of the Hayden Building: Supporting Growth in General Learning
In tandem with the MFC, the Hayden Building will undergo a significant extension to accommodate the growing needs of the school’s general learning programs. This extension will provide additional classroom space, ensuring St Joseph’s College continues to meet the evolving demands of a diverse student body and a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Architectural Vision: Fire, Light and Connection to Land
The architectural design of the new development is deeply symbolic, drawing inspiration from multiple sources that reflect St Brigid’s rich spiritual heritage and the natural environment.
At the core of the design concept is the sacred Perpetual Flame of Kildare, which St Joseph’s College continues to honour as a symbol of the new light of Christianity that reached Ireland in the fifth century. This flame burns as a beacon of hope, justice and peace, and the design of the Multi-Function Centre takes cues from its warmth and light. Architect Clarke Hopkins Clarke has thoughtfully incorporated these elements into the building’s design, envisioning the new facility as a 'lantern' within the school — a place of spiritual reflection, community gathering and empowerment.
The building’s interior spaces will be designed to create an intimate, welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the divine presence of Christ and promoting a sense of peace and belonging. Architectural features, such as arch details and the repetition of design elements, evoke the image of fire and its transformative, unifying power.
In addition, the exterior design of the Multi-Function Centre will be inspired by Indigenous Australian cultural symbolism. Fire holds profound significance for the Yorta Yorta people, who see it as a source of stories, memories, and teachings passed down through generations. For them, fire is not merely a destructive force but a vital and regenerative element, one that connects the people to the land. The curved lines formed through dry, cool burning and natural regeneration serve as a metaphor for renewal, community and healing.
CHC’s incorporation of these design principles into the building’s form and function will create a space that not only honours Indigenous wisdom but also reflects the broader community’s shared values of justice, healing and connection to the land.
A Beacon for the Future
This new development represents more than just the physical growth of St Joseph’s College, Kildare Campus; it embodies the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity, spirituality, and cultural awareness in the next generation. The Multi-Function Centre will be a beacon of light and hope for students, staff and the wider community, providing a place to learn, create and come together in a spirit of unity.
As the Perpetual Flame of Kildare continues to burn brightly, so too will the heart of the school be illuminated by this new architectural marvel, which will serve as both a functional and symbolic space for years to come.
Scheduled for commencement in Term 3 2025, the development marks an exciting new chapter for St Josephs, aligning with the school’s mission to inspire hope, justice, and peace through education, creativity, and connection.
