By Esther Lauaki
A cinema, a dog club and a multi-purpose cultural hub are among the ideas put forward by residents for the future use of the former Kyneton Primary School site.
The long-running battle over the site was settled last May when the state government announced that the property would “remain in public hands” – after working towards selling it for months.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is now calling for public feedback about organisations or activities that residents would like to see occupy the space.
Residents can have their say via an online survey until October 5.
DELWP Loddon Mallee regional director Marg Allan said the state authority wanted suggestions about a future management model that would be economically and socially viable.
“Now that the government has committed to keeping the site at Baynton Street, including the buildings, publicly owned, this consultation is focusing on site use and management,” Ms Allan said.
“This community feedback will be used to explore and develop reasonable and realistic priorities for the site.
“It will also investigate what services and community facilities currently exist in Kyneton, what gaps exist and how the former primary school site might fill these gaps.
“Future uses must complement the existing surrounding land uses, reflect population forecasts and changing population needs, enhance the town centre location and function, and take account of the economic and social needs of the Kyneton community.”
The Kyneton Town Square Reference Group, the main driver behind the community campaign against the sale of the school, conducted its own survey last month to gauge community opinion about future uses for the school.
Jan McIver, a member of the committee, said respondents shared some positive ideas.
“People have added a huge range of new exciting ideas to the ones which were already circulating from previous discussion,” Ms McIver said.
Details: engage.vic.gov.au
