The Kyneton and District Town Square Co-operative says it remains committed to securing community access to the Old Kyneton Primary School site after almost nine years of advocacy.
Co-op board member Peter Henderson said the group was “very excited” to have been shortlisted as head tenant/lead operator for the site after submitting an Expression of Interest in October 2025.
“After a further submission in March this year, we are now awaiting a decision from the state government,” Mr Henderson said.
The Co-op has campaigned for community use of the site since 2017, including a 2018 push to stop the former school from being sold after the Education Department deemed it surplus to requirements.
In 2020, the state government called for expressions of interest for the site, but proposals from the Co-op and three other local groups were unsuccessful. Working Heritage and Bendigo Art Gallery were later appointed co-managers.
A $12 million refurbishment announced in 2021 focused largely on the historic bluestone building, while the adjoining cream-brick building remains unfinished and unused.
“The community deserves transparent answers about why the previous operators stepped away and why the cream-brick building was left without further funding,” Mr Henderson said.
He said the Co-op’s long-term vision was for the cream-brick building to become a hub for community activities, pop-up studios and workshops, while the bluestone building would support retail, hospitality and events.
“The community has been very patient and now expects action,” he said. “The government should finish the project as promised, refurbish the cream-brick building and finally allow community access to the site.”