Kildare College at Holden Hill proposes new state-of-the-art The Lightbridge Centre

A new facility, complete with a performing arts theatre, cafe and gallery could soon be built at a catholic college in Adelaide’s north east, under a bold proposal.

Concept images of proposed new facility, The Lightbridge Centre, for Kildare College at Holden Hill. View from Valiant Rd, South East Corner Picture: Walter Brooke

A $19 million state-of-the-art centre with an expansive theatre, cafe, gallery could be the newest addition for a girls’ school in Adelaide’s north eastern suburbs, under proposed plans.

Kildare College has lodged plans to the Tea Tree Gully council to build a new facility, The Lightbridge Centre, on college grounds at Valiant Rd, Holden Hill.

It would feature a 500-seat high-tech performing arts theatre, multipurpose spaces for rehearsal and huge productions, learning enrichment facilities, a cafe, gallery spaces – showcasing student’s artwork – and six classrooms.

Students would also be treated to a wellbeing centre with one-on-one counselling rooms, spaces for mindfulness and relaxation, in hopes of supporting their student’s “emotional, mental and physical health”.

The modernised centre would replace an existing hall built in 1966 and a transportable building.

Concept images of proposed new facility, viewed from the courtyard for Kildare College at Holden Hill.

Kildare College will work alongside architects Walter Brooke & Associates Pty Ltd and project managers Axios Project Management, to bring the project to life. Picture: Walter Brooke Associates Pty Ltd

The centre will open late next year, if approved. Picture: Walter Brooke Associates Pty Ltd

If plans are approved, it will open around late next year – the same year as their 60th anniversary.

The centre is expected to diversify the college’s “programming and scheduling” with and help teachers provide “high-quality, personalised learning experiences”

Principal Tina Neate said it would also “nurture creativity, wellbeing, and holistic development”.

“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,” Ms Neate said.

Enrolment’s at the all-girl’s college has spiked by 65 per cent since 2018, with the new “cutting-edge facilities” expected to help cater to their “expanding student body”.

“Approved as part of our 2020 Master Plan, the Lightbridge Centre represents a new era of innovative design that will meet modern standards in acoustics, safety, and flexibility,” the college said in a statement.

“The Centre will foster innovation and creativity, offering cutting-edge technology and collaborative spaces that cater to varied learning styles and interests.”

“This initiative addresses the limitations of our current infrastructure, including the use of a transportable building for Drama classes”.

It will be the third new building within eight years as part of their masterplan.

Public consultation will close on Tuesday, July 1.