A PIECE of Smeaton history is for sale but the township’s residents fear it will be another key piece of the community disappearing.
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The former Smeaton Primary School site, featuring a school house dating back to 1861, will be auctioned later this year. Smeaton primary closed its doors three years ago with nine students after 153 years of education with a peak student population of 122 pupils in 1907.
Friends of Smeaton president Ron Cosgrave said the residential sale was an opportunity lost in helping to reinforce the small township. Ms Cosgrave said the school site, which features a tennis court, could have been a great little community hub.
“It seems like the shire prefers hubs and libraries in central areas like Daylesford, Clunes and Creswick rather than caring about outlying towns,” Mr Cosgrave said.
He said too often residents in small communities were left to travel into shire-based facilities, which could be difficult with a lack of public transport.
Ms Cograve said it was disappointing but hoped new owners would make keep it a lovely site.
Billed as an opportunity for heritage lovers, the landmark property is likely to become a home like many other old school buildings. Interestingly, the school is one of two former schoolhouses for sale in Smeaton. The other is a restored church manse with a timber school building, which could be space for a studio or gallery, on the Creswick-Newstead Road.
The former Smeaton Primary School offers an opportunity for restoration.
Biggin and Scott real estate agent Francesca Nicol said the school building still featured old coat hooks and the bell tower. Ms Nicol said early interest in the property had evoked a lot of fond memories.
“One person in a couple we showed through had been to the school. They were so proud of the school and its heritage,” Ms Nicol said. “The school has so much been the heart of the community.”
Ms Nichol said former school buildings, churches and manses were often transformed into incredible properties, with great landscaping and remained community landmarks.
