The Old Kyneton Primary School site remains fenced off one year on from its scheduled redevelopment completion date, and Macedon Ranges Shire Council is seeking answers.
The Victorian Government invested $12 million for the Baynton Street site for community use with a gallery space with areas for community groups by March 2024.
Speaking at council’s general meeting last week, Mayor Dominic Bonanno said he felt “the people of Kyneton have really been let down”.
“I do hope that Creative Victoria do understand the angst amongst the community and the need to get on with the works and finish the job,” he said.
Councillor Janet Pearce said the status of the old school site had been a common concern among residents.
She gained support for her motion to request a comprehensive update on the status and future plans for the Old Kyneton Primary School site, from Creative Victoria.
Cr Kate Kendall said there was a “lack of certainty” about the project in the community.
“The residential and business community are so excited about this investment and asset opening, and there was an amazing series of activation events that were well received, but since then, it’s been a little quiet,” she said.
MRSC is seeking 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, and enabling access to outdoor spaces for public use.
They are also seeking detail on identification of the managing organisation, and their start timeline, timely communication with all parties who submitted an Expression of Interest, and a commitment to providing monthly progress updates via their website and to subscribed stakeholders.
LAST UPDATE
In October last year, the Express reported the project was in its final stages, “in the defects period, with minor elements under way”.
At that time, Creative Victoria and Working Heritage said they were finalising arrangements to open and operate the space.
Due to significant costs of addressing the deterioration and poor condition of the site, the site transformation has been phased.
Works have involved restoration of the 1860s bluestone heritage building into a new gallery and event space, repair and replacement of the bluestone heritage building roof, and construction of a new building to provide a new accessible main entry.
It has also involved installing a security system, extensive external works and landscaping, oval reseeding, works to transform the former library space, and minor works to make the rest of the building stable and secure until decisions are made about the next phase on works on the site.
Future work on the 1980s building will be subject to the availability of further funding.
