Epping Catholic school buys aged care home to expand campus

An Epping high school has bought the site of an aged care home next door in a bid to expand the growing campus.

St Monica's College has bought a neighbouring property to expand the campus - making an unusual transformation.

A high school in Melbourne’s north is growing — making an unusual combination with a neighbouring business in the expansion.

St Monica’s College in Epping has bought the Homestyle Green Gables aged care facility, in a move that will replace the old with the new.

The residents of the 55-bed aged care home have moved to a new facility after the business decided to sell up, with the Catholic secondary school snatching up the opportunity to expand its campus by buying the property.

St Monica’s College principal Brian Hanley said the school first wanted to buy the site 30 years ago but missed the opportunity.

The former aged care facility on Coulstock St will become part of the St Monica’s College campus. (Picture: Melbourne Acquisitions)

The aged care facility will become a new resource for staff and students. (Picture: Melbourne Acquisitions)

“St Monica’s are delighted to have purchased the property and look forward to many years of using the resources for students and staff use,” Mr Hanley said.

“(We) are excited to incorporate the heritage listed bluestone building, which was the original Catholic Primary School in 1871, into St Monica’s identity.”

The property sold to the school for $6.34m, after competition from multiple buyers.

Melbourne Acquisitions director Dom Gibson said the property attracted wide appeal.

“Rarely do you find established aged care facilities offered with vacant possession which always makes them well sought after,” Mr Gibson said.

The 4049sq m property will be developed by the school to be transformed from an aged care home into a part of the campus.