Finding the best way to utilise, and at the same time preserve the beautiful and historic Sisters of Mercy Convent in Queen Street, has been a labour of love for those given that responsibility.
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The Mercy Convent opened in 1909 is one of Singleton’s true treasures a wonderfully preserved complex that exudes ambience and tranquillity all set in a timeless garden.
But it has been no easy task to find the best way to maintain all that is great about the Convent, and at the same time ensure it can generate the funds needed to maintain it in its current near perfect state.
The planning group’s report is expected to be finalised in the next six to eight weeks and it has been more than 18 months since it all began.
It all began when the owners the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea established the planning group to ascertain the best way forward for their convent.
Currently the Convent is the home for a small number of retired Sisters of Mercy.
A volunteer group known as Sacred Spaces led by Sister Monica Sinclair, conduct tours of the Convent and Chapel, host musical events and small scale meetings and make the Chapel available for weddings.
The planning group chaired by John Drinan (pictured) has conducted a series of public consultations in Singleton and Newcastle and more than 120 people attended.
Dr Drinan is hopeful the group’s final report will be completed in six weeks.
He said everyone involved in the discussions and planning sessions felt the Convent should be retained as a community and religious icon, which serves a wide range of purposes consistent with the service orientation of the Sister of Mercy.
We think it can be a multi-purpose facility by continuing to offer the space for concerts, exhibitions, wedding and tours.
“These events could be expanded in the future and perhaps we could look at providing more space or office space for arts organisations,” he said.
“Consultation with business entrepreneurs has seen us look at things outside the square – uses we would not have thought about.”
Uses and maintenance have been the two biggest issues for the planning group.
Singleton Business Chamber and Singleton Council have also been working with the group on various ideas,
“We looked at creating space where groups or individuals could work on business ideas – a type of innovation and creativity centre,” Dr Drinan said.
“It would be wonderful if the Convent could play its part in the diversification of the local economy.
“That would be in keeping with its earlier role in providing education and empowering local woman.”
Dr Drinan said a building inspection indicated just how well maintained the convent was and that was something his planning group had to address who best to keep the Convent in its present state.
“The value of the Convent is immeasurable to our community once you work through its gates you step out of the day to day world and into a very special place. “
