THE Guildford community will have its own primary school again, almost three years after it was closed due to dwindling enrolment numbers.
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The Victorian government on Monday confirmed the site of the old primary school in Guildford, about 13 kilometres south of Castlemaine, would reopen next year.
The school would operate as a Campbells Creek Primary School campus.
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Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the new Guildford school was expected to cater for about 20 students in 2021, with enrolments forecast to grow in the coming years.
Campbells Creek Primary School principal Rosie Critchley said it was exciting to see her school community grow.
"There are some big changes ahead," she said. "I'm looking forward to welcoming the Guildford community.
"I think it's a great opportunity to grow and learn. It's a significant opportunity for Guildford. Every community wants a local school. It's the hub of the community."
The Guildford Primary School closed in 2018 after the student cohort dropped down to only five children.
But Mrs Critchley said Campbells Creek and Guildford had become a growth corridor in central Victoria in recent years.
Enrolment numbers at Campbells Creek Primary have grown to more than 135 students.
"Now having two schools is a great chance to build the community and build a collegiate atmosphere," Mrs Critchley said.
Ms Edwards said school zones would be updated to account for the Guildford site's reopening. She said enrolments for 2021 were now open for students in prep to grade six.
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Ms Edwards said enrolled students would be located at the main Campbells Creek Primary School site while the Guildford school was upgraded.
The upgrade works would include a new toilet block, upgrades to staff amenities, and improved accessibility.
"We are proud to be delivering these education facilities for the community of Guildford," Ms Edwards said.
"The Guildford community has been vocal in their desire for the return of a primary school in their town and we have listened.
"By working together, we have been able to achieve a fantastic outcome for the children of the region.
"I know this is something the community have been hoping would happen and I am very proud to say that we will deliver on the community's needs."
The Victorian Government has invested $7.2 billion to build 100 new schools and deliver more than 1460 school upgrades, while supporting more than 7500 construction jobs for Victorians.
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