City Building and Property manager Andy Walker said the building is significant and the expression of interest specifically states it must be adapted for re-use. 

“The city expects that the new owner will retain the use of the main structure and the majority of the original exterior materials, which highlight the easing of wartime restrictions on building supplies and have been used to create an eye-catching design,” he said.

Mr Walker said the aim of the expression of interest process and eventual purchase of the building is to ensure its long-term preservation.

“It does not need to be re-used as a childcare centre, so it can be transformed in any number of ways as long as it meets the criteria of the Expression of Interest. 

“Someone (may have) a vision to carry out a Grand Designs-type renovation, or turn it into a restaurant or art gallery.”

The expression of interest process opens on January 30.

All costs associated with removing and relocating the building must be met by the successful purchaser. 

“Normally shifting a building with social and heritage value would not be supported,” Mr Walker said.

“However, in this instance, the building has been moved once, which means the building retains its significance but the location is irrelevant.”

After a perceived increase in the number of other childcare providers in Bendigo, council announced the closure of the Bendigo Early Learning Centre in October last year. It closed its doors for the last time in December.

Fifty-five children attended the centre last year with parents and the Australian Services Union campaigning to keep it open after the announcement. 

Eleven permanent staff members were offered positions with other council-run centres.

The unique, triangular-shaped building was designed by Eggleston, McDonald and Secomb and is an example of the acclaimed ‘Melbourne School’ of architectural design. 

Designed in 1957, it was Bendigo’s first purpose-built kindergarten.