Kildare public urged to have their say on revamp of arts centre
The project is estimated to cost approximately €14 million
Members of the public in County Kildare have been urged to submit their thoughts on a project which aims to revamp the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.
The consultation, which launched on Monday, August 10 last, was welcomed by Newbridge-based Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender.
Speaking about the proposal, which will focus on works estimated to cost approximately €14 million, Cllr Pender claimed that there ‘is a lot in the proposal that appears positive’.
He elaborated: “The plans aim to improve universal access, bring the entrance to ground level, provide expanded gallery and workshop space, strengthen facilities for children, schools and education programmes, and improve the auditorium, seating and stage.
“These changes could make the Riverbank easier to access, support a wider range of performances and exhibitions, and create better spaces for local artists, young people and community participation.
“They could also give the centre a stronger presence on Main Street and improve its connection with the town.”
‘POSITIVELY DISPOSED’
Cllr Pender further said: “I’m positively disposed towards that ambition, but I’m reserving judgement on the full proposal until I have examined the plans in detail and heard from the people who use the Riverbank.
“A public consultation needs to be a genuine opportunity to influence the project, rather than something people hear about after the main decisions have been made.
“I want to hear from patrons, performers, artists, parents, schools, disability advocates, nearby businesses and community groups; people should look at how the building will work in practice, including access, internal spaces, the auditorium, the relationship with Main Street, sustainability and how services will operate during any future construction period.”
Cllr Pender also asserted that all submissions will become part of the formal Part 8 process, and therefore will inform the report that comes before elected members.
“This is the point at which concerns, suggested changes and support for particular parts of the plan need to be placed on the public record,” he added.
‘ONLY THE BEGINNING’
Cllr Pender further said: “Part 8 is still only the beginning; it deals with the local authority planning process and does not provide the full funding needed to deliver the redevelopment.”
Moreover, he explained: “Kildare County Council’s Capital Programme 2026 to 2028 estimates the project at €14 million, and it lists €1 million in grant funding and €1.8 million from Revenue and Local Property Tax, while €11.2 million remains under funding to be identified.”
Cllr Pender also said that he supports ‘the objective of giving Newbridge and County Kildare an accessible and fit-for-purpose arts centre’.
Lastly, Cllr Pender advised: “Submissions can be made online through the consultation portal, by email to [email protected], or in writing to the Senior Executive Officer, Strategic Projects and Public Realm Team, Housing and Regeneration Department, Level 5, Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, County Kildare, W91 X77F.
"Submissions should be headed: Part 8 Proposed Redevelopment of the Riverbank Arts Centre P82026.09.”
A separate local representative based in Newbridge, Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer, also noted that submissions can be made from 10am to 4pm until the final date.
“Please do try and drop in and have Your Say,” she added.
Details abut the public consultation relating to the Riverbank Arts Centre project are available on the official Kildare County Council website.
The consultation will close at 5pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.