Old Kyneton Primary School

In collaboration with Working Heritage and Creative Victoria, Winwood McKenzie Architecture envisioned a master plan for the transformation of Old Kyneton Primary School (OKPS) into a new hub for the regions creative industries and communities.

For 160 years, the school was a site of education and personal development for generations of local children, until its vacancy in late 2017.

The scale of the existing heritage buildings, robust 1980’s addition and existing trees presents a remarkable opportunity to create a new cultural hub in the centre of Kyneton.  A place to support and connect an already vibrant cultural milieu.

Strategically located, the site offers the potential for a diverse range of opportunities. The mix of program, respectful and rehabilitative adaptive reuse of the existing buildings, communication of  Traditional Owner”s values, and the site’s history required a comprehensive spatial and programmatic strategy to make the most of the site.

Eight key zones have been defined. Each zone has its own potential for activation and characteristics, ranging from creative studios, multipurpose spaces, hospitality and retail, extension of the existing town square and a future market square, First Nations Garden, and a regional gallery.

These strategies and interventions are intended to support existing creative communities and businesses, connect residents, local community groups, and welcome visitors. 

Project Status: Under Construction

Location: Taungurung

Type: Adaptive Reuse | Masterplanning

Year:  2021

Team: Thom Mckenzie, Simon Sawyer, Micah Carganilla, Catalina Edey