The transformed Old Kyneton Primary School will reopen to the community later this year with the appointment of a new operator to lead OKPS’ next chapter as a place for learning, creativity and community connection.
A consortium that brings together Kyneton social enterprise Social Foundry with innovative property management organisation, Impact Neighborhoods International, co-working organisation Waterman Workspaces and social impact corporation Valuelab.co has been selected to take on site operations.
Following an extensive process to appoint an operator, the group, which includes experts in hospitality, event planning and delivery, social impact investment and community activation was selected based on its collective experience in forming partnerships with stakeholders and communities to activate and operate spaces that deliver social and economic benefits.
Members of the consortium have been involved in major transformation projects, including the repurposing of the old Kyneton Ford dealership into Social Foundry’s headquarters and cafe, reimagining a historic Tramways Building in Melbourne’s CBD to create a coworking space for social innovators, and the redevelopment of the former Brunswick High School to create BRUDI, a design and innovation hub that is home to over 35 businesses, from biotech to fashion.
The group will oversee a program of site activations, exhibitions and events at OKPS as well as opening up spaces for hire for local events and activities. In its first phase, the group has plans to 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.
Key to the consortium’s vision is a commitment to ensuring the site reflects local priorities, celebrates the unique local identity, connects with First Peoples and becomes a source of pride and connection for the community.
Next month, the group will call for community representatives to be part of a community consultation that will shape the site’s operations and forward planning.
The site will be open in September for the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival, and will host activations across the remainder of 2026.
The appointment of a new operator follows several years of planning and investment to transform the Old Kyneton Primary School into a creative and community precinct.
Backed by a $12 million Victorian Government investment, phase one works have restored the heritage bluestone building, delivered a new contemporary entrance and events space, transformed the former library into a flexible creative and community space, and revitalised the grounds with extensive landscaping, including over 3000 new plants.
Additional works have also been undertaken to help stabilise and secure the 1980s building as planning continues for future stages.