Mr Lim, who earlier this year hadn't returned emails from Notting Hill residents fighting to save the school, has arranged a meeting between residents and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike next month.

He was upbeat about keeping both schools, describing Ms Pike as "quite responsive" to arguments to keep schools in the area.

He said there were "common sense" arguments to revive the schools, with new families moving into the area, new residences built on the former `Rusden' site and Telstra opening offices for 4000 staff on Blackburn Road by 2009.

"Imagine if 20per cent of them [are looking for schools for their children], how many kids would want it.

"They'll need a place for their kids.

"I'm hopeful common sense will prevail. It's a pretty convincing case."

With the suburb's preschool closing last year, Mr Lim said the Monash Primary School site would be suitable as a "one-stop shop" primary school-preschool.

Notting Hill Community Association spokeswoman Marian Quartly said residents had gained heart from Mr Lim's enthusiasm and their meeting with Ms Pike.

"When the primary school was going well, we had about a third of children coming from [parents working at] Monash University and other places. It made it a very lively place.

"The buildings are still in good repair.

"I do think it might still be possible."

She was disappointed the council would bow to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's request to rezone the school site for residential development.

"Even though the council is going ahead with the rezoning, the timing is still possible."

Since 2005, both schools were closed after being deemed "surplus to educational requirements" by the department.

A spokesman for Ms Pike said the primary school was closed by its school council because of a significant decline in students.

He said students had since relocated to nearby schools, such as Pinewood Primary School.