OPERATOR APPOINTED FOR OLD KYNETON PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Old Kyneton Primary School will soon reopen as a creative and community precinct.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today announced a new operator has been selected to take on site operations.
The new operator is a consortium that brings together local social enterprise, Social Foundry with innovative property management organisation, Impact Neighborhoods International, co working organisation Waterman Workspaces and social impact corporation Valuelab.co.
Members of the consortium have been involved in major transformation projects, from the repurposing of the old Kyneton Ford dealership to the reimagining a historic Tramways Building.
The group will oversee a program of site activations, exhibitions and events at Old Kyneton Primary School as well as opening up spaces for hire for local events and activities.
In its first phase, the group will establish a new co-working hub for local small businesses and sole traders on site.
Social Foundry, which delivers training for local youth facing barriers to employment, will also expand its successful operations by utilising spaces at the site.
This exciting new precinct will be open in September for the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival, and will host activations across the remainder of 2026.
Backed by a $12 million Labor Government investment, phase one works have restored the heritage bluestone building, delivered a new exhibition and events space.
The former library has been transformed into a flexible creative and community space, and revitalised the grounds with extensive landscaping, including over 3000 new plants.
Next month community consultation will open to help shape the site’s future.
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward
“The Old Kyneton Primary School is a much-loved local landmark. Social Foundry and its partners have put forward a vision that builds on the restorative work of the Allan Labor Government, opening up new local cultural and economic opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“This project has always been about respecting the history of the Old Kyneton Primary School while creating a future that serves the Kyneton community.”
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Social Foundry Co-Founder Paul Dettman
“Social Foundry is thankful for the opportunity to work with our partners on the next chapter of the old Kyneton Primary School site. 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.
“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.”
