Progress at Old Kyneton Primary School

Way back when Kyneton Primary School opened as a national school in 1856, there were only 30 students and two bluestone rooms that served as the school buildings.

Little did original Principal Robert Begg know that in over 160 years, his school would be redeveloped into a vibrant space with a gallery and areas for community groups.

In collaboration with Working Heritage and Creative Victoria, we have been reimagining and transforming the site with McCorkell Constructions since 2022.

The redevelopment will see the 1860’s building restored to create internal spaces for the new gallery and exhibition areas, a new gallery and exhibition area; an accessible entrance and function space. 

The project continues to take shape with sheeting placed on the roof  connecting the 1860’s bluestone building and the 1980’s building. External cladding will then be installed. Concreting and asphalt works have been completed, including the new path from the site entrance.

The 1860s bluestone building will continue its restoration with new floor coverings, plastering and internal painting. In the next few weeks we will see door frames and doors, glazing, amenities, and the installation of services.

Landscaping is also continuing, with the crafting of seating walls, paving and installation of garden beds. As part of the project, we will be planting over 5000 new plants commonly found in the local area, including 12 new trees. Existing trees will be retained on site unless deemed unsafe. 

As construction progresses, Working Heritage is working with local creatives and community groups on a series of activations and public events on site.

Once this initial phase of works is complete, the site will be open to the public to host events, exhibitions, and community markets, contributing to the local economy by encouraging visitors and investment from outside the local area.

Find out more about the project.