General News
30 July, 2025
Redevelopment process to begin at former school site
Yarriambiack Shire councillors have endorsed the redevelopment project for Hopetoun's former school site, located at 11 Bruce Street, Hopetoun, which can now move forward.
Councillors unanimously carried the recommendation that included changing the zoning for the site and subdividing it into three distinct lots for accommodation, a museum, and housing.
The town's first primary school was constructed in 1894 by Edward Harewood Lascelles, which was replaced by a new primary school building in 1975.
In 2015, the primary school was closed after its services were relocated to the existing Hopetoun High School, which is now a P-12 school.
The original school has been repurposed to house the local historical society and neighbourhood house.
The council officially took ownership of the land on November 10, 2022, and community consultation was undertaken with the Hopetoun Former School Site Advisory Committee.
The committee determined that the priorities for implementing the masterplan vision would be a multipurpose venue and accommodation enterprise, residential development, and becoming a historic attraction, museum, and visitor experience centre.
The housing lot is destined to be subdivided further into 10 separate titles, which will result in an estimated $1.6 million being spent on works, including sewer, water, power, telecommunications, earthworks, roads, and drainage for each lot.
The total capital redevelopment is estimated to cost $4.360 million, comprising building redevelopment for accommodation and functions ($3.924 million), indoor and outdoor furnishings and information technology ($435,000), and additional landscaping ($100,000).
Following extensive community consultation, the master plan was developed, highlighting 10 key projects.
This included independent living units for local retirees and key worker accommodation, which aims to provide short-to medium-term accommodation options for singles, couples, and families associated primarily with the health and education industries.
A nature-based playground and a hobby farm are also included, alongside a community hub that will potentially house a café, lending library, and bookable rooms for the community to use.
The existing 1975 school building has the potential to be converted into a camping centre for school-age children or an adult education facility, facilitating a variety of educational experiences, including agricultural, business, and outdoor education.
Other key projects include a barbecue and recreation area, a revitalised heritage centre, allied health and gym, and a creative arts offering.
For more information and to view the masterplan, visit https://www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/documents/policies-publications/other-plans/final-hopetoun-old-school-site-master-plan.pdf