March 9th, 2023Conversion of Old Kyneton Primary to community hub begins…

Building works have begun at Old Kyneton Primary School with the first stage of the site’s tranformation into a creative community hub now under way.

State Member for Macedon, Mary Anne Thomas joined the builders and project partners on site in recent days – Friday, March 3 – to mark the turning of the first sod, officially kicking off the project.

This first phase of works focuses on the iconic bluestone heritage building, the original school which dates back to the 1800s.

Work will be undertaken to restore the building, creating internal spaces for a new gallery and exhibition area, and a new food and beverage offering.

A new link building will also be constructed providing a main entry to welcome visitors to the site, as well as a space for future events. External landscaping works and new accessible carparking will improve the site’s accessibility so the Old Kyneton Primary School can host a range of outdoor community events, year-round.

Ageing assets on site will be replaced and critical repairs will also form part of this phase of works, smoothing the way for the site’s future operations.

Construction firm McCorkell, which specialises in complex cultural heritage sites, has been appointed to carry out the works.

Due for completion in early 2024, this first phase is expected to support up to 36 jobs throughout construction.

The state government is backing the Old Kyneton Primary School project with $12 million announced in the 2020-21 state budget.