Old Kyneton Primary School Site

At the March 2025 Council Meeting, Council endorsed a Notice of Motion relating to the Old Kyneton Primary School site.

Notice of Motion

That Council:

1. Write to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Creative Victoria requesting a comprehensive update on the status and future plans for the Old Kyneton Primary School site, including the following detail at a minimum:

  • Confirmation of completed works and certification status;
  • Timeline for opening completed areas for public use;
  • Schedule and plans for any outstanding works;
  • Enabling access to outdoor spaces for public use;
  • Identification of the managing organisation, and their commencement timeline;
  • Timely communication with all parties who submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI), incorporating the above details; and a
  • Commitment to providing monthly progress updates via their website and to subscribed stakeholders.

2. Provide a copy of the letter to the Minister for Creative Industries, the Hon. Colin Brooks MP.

Download the cited letter(PDF, 477KB)

In response to Council's Notice of Motion, a letter was received in June 2025 by the Minister for Creative Industries, the Hon. Colin Brooks MP and the CEO of Creative Victoria Claire Febey.

Excerpt from Claire Febey's letter addressing the NOM

"As you are aware, Phase 1 construction of the new gallery and events space is complete, and an operational model and approach to completing the phase 2 works on the 1980s building is being finalised.

Given the site’s historic nature and the significant deterioration of the buildings, the works were complex. The Victorian Government’s $12 million investment in the site has delivered:

  • transformation of the bluestone building into a multi-purpose gallery and events space;
  • the old library space suitable for a range of community and creative uses;
  •  a new central entrance building to welcome visitors and connect the site’s buildings;
  •  landscaping across the site, including planting more than 3,000 new plants; and
  •  minor works to make the rest of the 1980s building stable and secure.

The newly renovated spaces are fully compliant, and these works have ensured that this local icon is nearly ready for community use as a safe, vibrant and unique space to gather for indoor and outdoor events.

Creative Victoria is working to finalise the arrangements for operation and opening of these spaces. This has included meeting with several stakeholders, including Council staff, Working Heritage, Regional Arts Victoria and several interested community members.

Details regarding opening of the bluestone building and surrounding outdoor areas, as well as phase 2 next steps will be shared with Council and the community as soon as possible.

Similarly, community members who expressed interest or signed up to receive community updates will receive direct emails on the next steps. Interested parties can sign up to Creative Victoria’s eNews (via www.creative.vic.gov.au), follow Creative Victoria on social media, or email digital@creative.vic.gov.au to be added to the distribution list."

After receiving this letter, Council officers met with Creative Victoria representatives and received further confidential updates related to the activation of the site. Officers have committed to meeting with Creative Victoria regularly to ensure the opening of the Old Kyneton Primary School site as soon as is possible.

For further updates:

Expressions of interest for tenant/operator

We've been advised by the Victorian Government that work on phase one of the site’s transformation is now complete.

The project has restored the school’s heritage bluestone building, creating a space for art, creativity and community, and built a new contemporary central building to provide a welcoming entry for visitors.

The former library has been transformed and is now suitable for a range of community and creative uses, and the school’s grounds have also been revitalised.

The Victorian Government is now seeking an operator or head tenant to bring the site to life.

The government welcomes a range of ideas and proposals, including those that will provide opportunities for Kyneton’s creative industries, community groups and local businesses, and will complement and enhance Kyneton’s tourism offering. 

Expressions of Interest will be considered from single organisations, partnerships or a consortium of organisations and will close on Monday 29 September. 

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