The Old Kyneton Primary School is a step closer to reopening as a creative and community precinct, with the state government announcing a consortium led by local social enterprise Social Foundry as the site’s new operator.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced the appointment last Wednesday, saying the consortium would oversee the site’s operations as it opens to the public later this year.
The consortium brings together Social Foundry, property management organisation Impact Neighborhoods International, co-working provider Waterman Workspaces and social impact corporation Valuelab.co.
The group will manage exhibitions, events and community activations at the heritage site while making spaces available for hire by local organisations and community groups.
Its first project will be the establishment of a co-working hub for local businesses and sole traders. Social Foundry, which provides training and employment pathways for young people facing barriers to work, will also expand its operations by using facilities at the site.
The precinct is expected to open in September as part of the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival, with a program of events planned throughout the remainder of 2026.
The appointment follows the completion of the first stage of the site’s redevelopment, funded through a $12 million state government investment. Works included restoration of the heritage bluestone school building, construction of a new exhibition and events space, conversion of the former library into a flexible community venue and extensive landscaping featuring more than 3,000 new plants.
Community consultation on the site’s future development will begin next month.
Ms Thomas said the appointment marked an important milestone in the project’s evolution.
“The appointment of an operator is an exciting milestone. I welcome the community consultation, local partnerships and opportunities that will help this site continue to grow as a place for locals to gather, create and connect,” she said.
Social Foundry co-founder Paul Dettman, who attended the school as a child, said the consortium was honoured to help shape the site’s next chapter.
“This is a special place for so many from Kyneton, including for me personally as a former student, and we want to approach it with care, humility and a real sense of community responsibility,” he said.
“We’re also mindful that this sits on Taungurung Country, so we look forward to continuing to listen to and work with our Taungurung friends as the site becomes a place of welcome, learning and community building for Kyneton.”