Citywise Education signs contract with ClearyDoyle to deliver first-of-its-kind Climate, Science and Language Centre

Major milestone reached as Citywise prepares to begin construction of pioneering new education centre in Tallaght

Citywise Education has signed the construction contract with ClearyDoyle for its new Climate, Science and Language Centre (CSL Centre) in Jobstown, Tallaght, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s most ambitious development to date.

The signing clears the way for construction of a pioneering new education centre designed to expand opportunity for young people in traditionally underserved communities. The CSL Centre will bring together advanced science facilities, technology, languages, sustainability, career development and Citywise’s established approach to long-term youth education under one roof.

Designed to be whole-life net zero carbon, the state-of-the-art Centre will also place sustainability at the heart of both the building and the learning that takes place within it.

When complete, the CSL Centre will help Citywise increase participation at its Tallaght campus from approximately 500 to 800 young people each week. It will also establish a centre of excellence from which programmes, learning and expertise can be shared with other communities, with the potential to reach thousands more young people through Citywise’s work with schools and satellite communities.

The Centre will include dedicated science and biologics laboratories, new classrooms and study spaces, a rooftop classroom, a lecture theatre and café. It will also feature The Exchange, a dedicated careers and exhibition space connecting young people with employers, industry, further and higher education and the careers of the future.

Daire Hennessy, CEO of Citywise Education, said:

“This is an enormously significant moment for Citywise and for the young people and families we serve. The vision behind the CSL Centre is simple but ambitious: young people growing up in communities like ours should have access to educational facilities, experiences and opportunities that are second to none.

“We believe this Centre will be genuinely pioneering. By bringing together advanced science facilities, technology, languages, sustainability, careers and long-term youth education, we have an opportunity to create something exceptional in Tallaght and develop approaches here that can ultimately benefit young people in communities across Ireland.

“We already have an excellent design team behind the project and we are delighted to welcome ClearyDoyle to the delivery team for this next major phase. Having also delivered our new Multi-Use Games Area, they know Citywise well. After years of planning and fundraising, it is hugely exciting to see the CSL Centre moving from vision to construction.”

The contract signing builds on the first phase of Citywise’s wider campus development. ClearyDoyle has also delivered the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on the eastern side of the campus, which will open shortly. The relocation of Citywise’s outdoor sporting facilities creates the space required for construction of the CSL Centre and marks the completion of the first major phase of the development.

Brian Byrne, Joint Managing Director at ClearyDoyle, said:

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Citywise Education following the delivery of the new Multi-Use Games Area and to join the wider team delivering the Climate, Science and Language Centre. The building's cross-laminated timber structure reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and showcases the benefits of Modern Methods of Construction, and we look forward to bringing our experience in this area to the project.”

The CSL Centre is being developed as more than an expansion of Citywise’s existing facilities. It is an opportunity to create a new model for community-based youth education, demonstrating what can be achieved when world-class educational infrastructure and opportunities are placed at the heart of an underserved community.

Citywise Education has supported young people in Tallaght for more than 25 years through a long-term educational model combining academic support, personal development, leadership education, and positive role models.

Citywise will continue working with supporters, partners and funders as construction progresses. Individuals and organisations interested in being part of the CSL Centre and supporting its development are invited to get in touch with Citywise Education.