Kildare County Council Signs Contracts for Landmark Newbridge Library, County Archives and Cultural Centre Project
Kildare County Council has signed a contract with Townlink Construction Ltd for the delivery of the new Newbridge Library, County Archives and Cultural Centre. The €18.18 million project, located on the Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, is being part-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
The development will see the refurbishment and regeneration of the historic library building, originally constructed in 1936, with a substantial new extension which will replace the existing branch library building, constructed in the 1970s. The design was developed by Metropolitan Workshop Architecture and Urbanism, supported by the consultant team including JCA Architects, AECOM, and BB7. The project is being managed by the Special Projects Team in Kildare County Council.
Welcoming the contract signing, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr. Tim Durkan said: "This project represents a major investment in the future of Newbridge and County Kildare. The new Newbridge Library, County Archives and Cultural Centre will provide a vibrant community hub where people of all ages can learn, create, connect and engage with their local heritage. I am delighted to see this important project reach construction stage."
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, said: "The signing of this contract marks the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between Kildare County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and the Design Team. This development will transform library and cultural services in Newbridge while preserving an important historic building at the heart of the town. Together with the Riverbank Arts Centre, it will help create a new cultural campus, support the wider regeneration of Newbridge and provide infrastructure that meets the needs of a growing community”
Gillian Allen, County Librarian, said: "Kildare Library Service is hugely excited to see this important project move forward. This new Newbridge Library, County Archives and Cultural Centre represents a major investment in the future of Newbridge, providing modern, flexible and welcoming spaces that will support learning, creativity, culture, innovation and community life for generations to come.
It will restore a key heritage building while delivering enhanced library services, My Open Library access, a Maker Space, study, County Archives and Local Studies facilities, and new public realm. Most importantly, it will ensure that our library service continues to grow with the community and remains responsive to the needs of Newbridge into the future."
David Caulfield, Managing Director, Townlink Construction Ltd added: "We are thrilled to be selected as main contractor to construct the new Library for Newbridge, Kildare and Kildare County Council. We look forward to working with on the project with Kildare County Council and the Design team to bring this vision to reality."
Construction of the development is expected to commence in August 2026, with completion anticipated in early 2028.
