This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
Religious institute Presentation Sisters Victoria is selling the former Presentation College site in Melbourne’s inner south. The once in a lifetime opportunity expected to fetch in excess of $50 million.
Presentation Sisters Victoria is selling the significant 1.89 hectares site located on Dandenong Road in Windsor, after 150 years of ownership. Just 5km from the Melbourne CBD, the property includes the historic and beautifully maintained former Presentation Convent, chapel and surrounding gardens.
Colliers agents Jozef Dickinson, John Marasco, and Philip Heberling are managing the expressions of interest.
“We are extremely proud to represent Presentation Association Inc. on this really important assignment,” they said.
Colliers national director capital markets John Marasco said there is an opportunity to thoughtfully integrate a masterplan that embraces the extraordinary attributes of the property.
“The current property market presents a unique set of opportunities. The demand for quality assets remains robust. With its rich history and prime location, properties like Windsor Hall are highly sought-after,” he added.
Colliers national director build-to-rent Jozef Dickinson said this is a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity, given it is the first time the property has been offered for sale in 150 years.
“We are expecting strong engagement from buyers, particularly from residential and retirement/aged-care developers.
“Windsor Hall is precisely what appeals to developers. It’s a significant site of scale that can support a variety of uses. The site is further bolstered with Windsor Station having now been identified within the State Government’s second tranche of ‘Train and Tram Zone’ Activity Centres’ that will help deliver more than 300,000 additional homes close to Jobs, services and transport by 2051,” said Dickinson.
Presentation Sisters Victoria said the decision has not been made lightly, given the significant history of the College and its deep affiliation with the Presentation Sisters story and mission over several decades.
Presentation Sisters Victoria Congregation Leader Sr Helen Carboon said the closure of the school in 2020 and the recent conclusion of a lease by St Mary’s College were also factors in the decision.
“After such a long ownership and proud history, the time has come for the Presentation Sisters
Victoria to look at the next chapter and continue its important work elsewhere. While difficult, the decision gives us the opportunity to continue to support our legacy projects.
“It is our intention that the proceeds be directed towards initiatives that support women, children and vulnerable communities, including continuing our work in education and community services, reflecting our historical involvement with these important causes,” Sr Carboon said.
