Sale of former school site to deliver health and aged care precinct in Nedlands

A first-class health and aged care precinct is planned to take shape in Nedlands, after the sale of the former Loreto school site to leading provider Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group.

Following the closure of the school in December 2023, Loreto undertook a comprehensive engagement and planning process to identify the best future use for the land.

Loreto Chief Operating Officer Alison Brown said the organisation had been committed from the outset to a responsible and appropriate disposal of the 1.82ha former school site.

"Loreto commenced a process to consider potential uses for 69 Webster Street, and position it for a future sale, in 2023 - and we went through a comprehensive process of examining a range of options in the interests of shaping the best outcome for the organisation and the community," she said.

"Over the past 12 months we have successfully secured a State heritage listing for the original convent building, invested in significant maintenance and restoration works to the building, and engaged with the local community to seek input and provide updates.

"That engagement confirmed the deep connection the community has to this site, so it was important to us to ensure we took the time to find the right buyer - one that would deliver a quality outcome for the site, that aligned with community aspirations and needs."

Western Australia-based Hall & Prior is a family-owned aged care provider operating 39 residential aged care homes, with in-home and community care programs across Western Australia, New South Wales and the ACT.

Hall & Prior CEO Graeme Prior said the group's vision for the site was to create a nation-leading integrated health and aged care precinct with community amenity.

"Hall & Prior are deeply honoured to be part of this important process - this project represents an incredible opportunity to create something truly special for the community," he said.

Mr Prior said the vision had a key focus on paying respect to the long-standing and rich history - both ecclesiastical and educational - of the Webster Street site.

"We understand the significance of this site, not only as a physical space but as a place of shared history and connection," he said.

"We approach this with great respect and responsibility, ensuring that our work honours the heritage and aligns with the values and expectations of the community.

"Our focus is on creating a space that not only respects the past but also looks to the future, offering meaningful benefits to the people who call this area home."

The sale of the site at 69 Webster Street was brokered by Knight Frank, with Loreto advised on the transaction by Charter Keck Cramer. The property is expected to settle in July.