Mooroopna’s Athenaeum Hall, an old red brick building on McLennan St, has sat in disrepair in recent years.
Built by W.S. Archer, Mooroopna’s first European settler, the heritage site was once used for events such as dances and social functions.
Now, it’s set to become an early learning centre that will serve families in Mooroopna and the surrounding area.
Believe Early Learning in Mooroopna is expected to open later this year, offering programs for children aged six weeks to five years.
According to managing director Andrew Kelly, there has been strong demand for the service already, although enrolments have not yet begun.
“All over Australia, demand has risen,” Mr Kelly said of the need for childcare.
A report published by the Mitchell Institute in 2022 showed about nine million Australians lived in neighbourhoods that could be classified as ‘childcare deserts’.
In such areas, multiple children are competing for a single spot in care for kids aged four and younger.
The report showed childcare deserts in regional Victoria.
A separate report, released this month by not-for-profit group The Parenthood, stated that lack of early learning and childcare access in regional, rural and remote areas of the country was causing multiple negative impacts for families.
It stated that lack of access “undermines the wellbeing of children, families and entire communities”.
Mr Kelly said Believe Early Learning would have capacity for 110 children once it was licensed and open.
He said the centre was currently hiring staff and would then open enrolment for children.
Mr Kelly said the historic site was chosen for the centre because of its appealing location, but he also said he was delighted to play a part in preserving local history.
“Mooroopna’s Athenaeum Hall is the perfect place for young children to learn about local heritage,” he said.
Mr Kelly said he hoped that revitalising an old space could also help teach kids about sustainability and re-using what already existed.
The historic hall is being renovated to preserve the original structure, while also incorporating contemporary features, according to the group completing the work.
“Working with heritage buildings can be a challenge, but the results — both for the building and the local community — are always worth the effort,” Concept Construction Group managing director Aaron Martin said.
Believe Early Learning is expected to open in mid-November.
The roughly $6.8 million renovation project includes six education rooms, along with play areas, sleep rooms for infants, staff areas and a kitchen for meals.