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1921
The initial site in Greenwood Avenue consisted of three and a half acres of fruit orchards, a very common agricultural pursuit in Ringwood of the time. The land was originally purchased for 500 pounds from the orcharder, Count Von Horn. In an effort to extend the site further, more land was purchased, this time from Arthur Greenwood. The intention was to replace the first Ringwood State School No 2997, which was built in 1889 on the corner of Ringwood Street and Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood. The new building was to be called Ringwood Primary School, and destined to provide more space for the growing population of students. The foundation stone for the new school was not laid until October 1921, after which the abstract, red brick Baroque, single storey school building was erected.
1922
On July 24 1922, 399 pupils were transferred from the original Ringwood State School No 2997 building to the new Ringwood Primary School No 2997, located now at 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood.
1942
For the mere sum of 90 pounds, further adjoining land was purchased for the creation of a playground for the school’s pupils, which was opened in October 1943. After World War Two, the number of students rose to almost 1,000, making it necessary for additional classrooms to be built on to the main building in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1957. The increase in student numbers also necessitated the constuction of four detached buildings in 1958, to facilitate further growth of the school. A central library, Arts and Crafts room and Division Remedial Centre were also opened.
1998
Ringwood Primary School closed in April 1998, at which time Maroondah City Council purchased and redeveloped the site, with assistance from the State and Federal Governments. The purchase was made with the plan to provide the community with brand new facilities and cultural opportunities. The overall cost of the building, including the land, was $4.43 million.
2001
Maroondah’s newest community asset, Maroondah Federation Estate, was officially opened by the Mayor of the time, Councilor Peter Gurr; The Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Steve Bracks MP; and Federal Member for Deakin Phillip Barresi MP on Wednesday 31 January. The new Maroondah Federation Estate now consisted of the existing school building, a Cultural Centre incorporating the Maroondah Art Gallery and a contemporary Lifestyle Centre, designed by architect Leigh Mattingley.
2002
October 25 2002, Maroondah Federation Estate received ‘Best Sustainable Development’ from the ‘Urban Design Awards Program’. The buildings and grounds were also awarded a ‘Special Commendation’ for ‘City Pride and Outstanding Beautification’, presented by 2002 City Pride Awards.
Today
Maroondah Federation Estate offers a wide range of cultural events, activities and plays a vital role in the community. The facility contains function rooms, artist studios, a community workshop as well as a kitchenette to cater for visitors and their requirements. It is a vital recreational, social and community resource for the local community and surrounding districts, and is an excellent venue for a variety of performance groups, leisure, recreation and social clubs. Each of the function rooms is available for hire on both a casual and regular basis.