The transformation of Castlemaine’s old Etty Street college campus has achieved a significant new milestone with Friday’s announcement of $50,000 in state funding toward a guiding master plan.
The Etty Street Precinct concept is poised to transform the old Castlemaine Secondary College site into a unique community facility featuring a specialty vehicle training centre and Workspace Australia business incubation.
Friday’s onsite announcement of $50,000 in Regional Development Victoria funding will now enable a master plan including costings for the vision.
“This is the next step in ensuring the Etty Street Campus will be a significant and important facility for community use and for the economic benefit it will bring,” Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said.
Urban Initiatives design consultants will develop the master plan, she noted.
Mount Alexander Shire Council, Workspace Australia and the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre Limited are providing the remaining support towards the $82,000 project.
The masterplan is expected to be finalised and released in late April forming the basis for further consultation and planning.
“This has not happened without enormous collaboration between a whole range of people. Really all I’ve done is open the door to government to enable some ministers to see what could be done here and the potential of the old buildings,” Ms Edwards said.
“It’s a great thing for the town,” Mount Alexander mayor Cr Christine Henderson said during Friday’s announcement.
Workspace director Matthew Driscoll said a main aim was to foster jobs and enterprise, keeping young locals in the region into the future.
“I think the outcome of this will be fantastic for the town and the younger generation,” he said.
Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre Limited’s Larry O’Toole said training was already happening on site, offering opportunities for local students to pursue their passions for the specialty car sector.
“We’ve always had this dream, now it’s becoming a reality,” he said.
