More than a year overdue, newly renovated spaces at the Old Kyneton Primary School site are “nearly ready for community use”, Creative Victoria has revealed.
Creative Victoria has provided an update on the project following probes for answers from Macedon Ranges Shire Council earlier this year.
The Victorian Government invested $12 million in the Baynton Street site for community use with a gallery space with areas for community groups by March 2024.
One year on from the scheduled completion date, the site remained fenced off and incomplete, prompting the council to ask for details on completed works and timelines of works, for community benefit.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks and Creative Victoria CEO Claire Febey responded to the council in June.
Ms Febey said phase one construction of the new gallery and events space was complete, and an operational model and approach to completing the phase two works on the 1980s building was being finalised.
“Given the site’s historic nature and the significant deterioration of the buildings, the works were complex,” she said.
Delivered so far is transformation of the bluestone building into a multi-purpose gallery and events space and the old library space suitable for a range of community and creative uses.
A new central entrance building has also been completed as well as landscaping across the site and minor works to make the rest of the 1980s building stable and secure.
“The newly renovated spaces are fully compliant, and these works have ensured that this local icon is nearly ready for community use as a safe, vibrant and unique space to gather for indoor and outdoor events,” Ms Febey said.
“Creative Victoria is working to finalise the arrangements for operation and opening of these spaces. This has included meeting with several stakeholders, including council staff, Working Heritage, Regional Arts Victoria and several interested community members.
“Details regarding opening of the bluestone building and surrounding outdoor areas, as well as phase two next steps will be shared with council and the community as soon as possible.”
Council officers have since met with Creative Victoria representatives and received further confidential updates related to the activation of the site. Officers have committed to meeting with Creative Victoria regularly.
