Bethungra village has been without a social focal point for many years with vital services gradually being shut down and moved to other towns.

The public school closed in 1995 and has not been in use since.

The Crabtrees are hoping by converting the old schoolhouse and classroom into a refreshment room they will bring a new social point to the village and attract tourists.

Situated on the Olympic Highway, the old school should be able to benefit from passing traffic.

The development application to modify the building was recently passed by council and includes works to renovate the building including adding a memorabilia room.

Mrs Crabtree said a lot of children in the area were educated at the Bethungra school which opened in 1876 and a memorabilia room would mean the history would be preserved.

Sale of local art and craft is planned for the building with potential for market days and community events to be held as well.

Mrs Crabtree said work had already begun on the property.