30 April 2021

The award-winning Performing Arts and Music Learning Facility at Killester College, Springvale, was officially opened and blessed on Thursday 22 April.

The Tullow Centre is a meaningful and practical addition to the school that can be used for a range of learning activities. The design incorporates bespoke music and drama facilities, internal and external performance and gathering zones, flexible and adaptable learning and activity spaces, offices and administration areas, as well as functional storage, garage and accessible toilet/change-room facilities, alongside landscaped recreational spaces that provide an opportunity for further congregation and summertime performances.

Principal Sally Buick said: ‘In our year of wonder, we celebrated with joy and gratitude the opening of our Tullow Performing Arts Centre. The Tullow has already become a gathering space: a place for song, dance, performance and celebration. It gives our community space, light and opportunity.’

The centre provides a place where the performing arts can be highlighted, celebrated and taught in purpose-built spaces that all students can enjoy. Both staff and students simply love the space, and find it has given the students a place to thrive, dream and pursue their dreams.

‘We are very grateful for the vision and commitment of Leanne Di Stefano, previous principal, and to all who toiled in bringing our building to life’, said Ms Buick. ‘We look forward to the delight the Tullow will bring generations of families at Killester.’

Fr Brian Collins attended the event, where he prayed over and blessed the new building with holy water. Rosemary Copeland, Co-chair of the Trustees of Kildare Ministries, officially opened the building and revealed the centre’s new plaques.

Entertainment at the opening was provided by Killester College’s fantastic student band and the evening was catered by the college’s VCAL students who served up delicious canapés.

The centre has already won four prestigious architectural awards:

• Building Designers Association of Australia – 2020 Best Public Building/Structure
• Building Designers Association of Australia – 2020 National Design Memorial Award
• Design Matters – 2020 Past Presidents’ Award
• Design Matters – 2020 Best Non-residential/Commercial Building >$2M.

The name Tullow is significant to Killester College, as Tullow is a town in Ireland where the Brigidine Sisters, who founded the college, originated.