The former convent in Wynnum, built by the Sisters of Mercy, has been bought by Brisbane Catholic Education for use by Guardian Angels Primary School

IN its 100th year, an iconic building on the bayside has returned to its roots. Find out who has purchased the former convent built by the Sisters of Mercy.

Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School principal Peter Blundell in front of the former Mt Carmel Convent which Brisbane Catholic Education has just bought. Photo by Sarah Keayes

THE former Mount Carmel Convent will celebrate its 100th birthday this year back where it started – as part of the Catholic Church.

The former convent at 199 Bay Tce, Wynnum, built by the Sisters of Mercy has been purchased by Brisbane Catholic Education for an undisclosed sum.

The property was put on the market last year for a rumoured price of $3 million.

It had only undergone about $1 million worth of renovations by owner IJS Logistics director Ivan Simon, who bought the property in 2011.

The former Mount Carmel Convent built by the Sisters of Mercy underwent $1 million worth of renovations. Photo by Stuart Quinn.

Some of the beautiful stained glass doors and windows in the former Mount Carmel Convent. Photo by Stuart Quinn.

Mr Simon had hoped to turn it into a bed and breakfast or convention centre, but was stymied by Brisbane City Council bureaucracy.

Previous owner Ivan Simon has sold the former Mount Carmel Convent to Brisbane Catholic Education. Photo by Stuart Quinn.

Brisbane Catholic Education communications manager John Phelan said it was pleasing to have the former convent back.

He said it would be a welcome addition to the Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School across the road.

Peter Blundell, principal of the school, which has 630 students from Prep to Year 6, said it was great to get the former convent back.

“It’s been part of the culture of the school for 100 years,” he said.

“It's a big moment.”

He said students would be able to use the convent grounds.

“We’re also looking at a parent drop-in centre,” he said.

Teachers will use some of the downstairs areas for offices.

Mr Phelan said they were still looking at ideas for the upper level and may make it available for other church groups.

He said the former convent was a great part of the history of Catholic Education in Queensland.

“It’s also an important part of the history of the Wynnum area,” he said.