The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is inviting proposals to manage and use all or part of the 1.3 hectare property.

Expressions of interest opened today.

DELWP Loddon Mallee regional director Marg Allan said it was an important step in ascertaining interest in managing the site, to help determine the best future use.

"A community consultation process in 2018 found a strong preference for the premises to become a hub for the community," Ms Allan said.

"Expressions of interest are sought from organisations, groups or individuals with the skills, experience and vision to create a vibrant, sustainable place in the heart of Kyneton."

Story continues below community consultation results

The Baynton Street property consists of heritage and non-heritage buildings, as well as a sizeable outdoor green space adjoining the town square.

It is presently managed by the Victorian School Building Authority.

The state government committed in 2018 to retaining public ownership of the site.

Kyneton Connections president Eric Dearricott said it was pleasing the long-awaited expressions of interest process had started.

He said the community was still interested in the site's fate.

"We've always been keen for the old primary school to become a community asset," Mr Dearricott said.

He said Kyneton Connections, and he believed other community groups, were keen for the local council to consider making the site the home of Kyneton's new kindergarten.

Other potential uses could include relocating the Kyneton Community House, which Mr Dearricott said was looking for a new premises.

The Kyneton and District Town Square Co-operative's Peter Henderson also welcomed the start of the Expressions of interest process.

He said the Co-Op had been working for more than two years to secure the site.

"We have over 300 individual members and 12 organisational members, including Windarring, Kyneton Community House, U3A, Kyneton Rotary Kyneton Lions, Kyneton Horticultural Society and many others," Mr Henderson said.

"We are very excited for the future of the site, and especially the prospect of bringing many community groups together in one location, as well as utilising the fantastic grassed area for many outdoor activities."

Expressions of interest in the management and use of the former Kyneton Primary School site close at 2pm on Friday, May 1.

For more information, phone DELWP on 136 186 or visit www.delwp.vic.gov.au.

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