Collection of Fundraising Bricks

Following the closure of the school in December last year, consideration was being given to what should be done with fundraising bricks which featured the names of contributing families – whether they could be reused in some way on the site, retained as part of a museum or exhibition, or returned to families. 

Unfortunately, while this was being considered, a number of these bricks were forcibly removed from the site without authorisation and others damaged. In order to protect the remaining bricks, these were professionally removed, audited and stored.

Loreto has now offered families the chance to come and collect their fundraising brick if they would like to retain this as a memento of their time at Loreto.

Interested community members can contact info@websterstreetnedlands.com.au before 31 October 2024 to organise collection.

Restoration and Maintenance Works

To safeguard the heritage value of the Loreto School and Convent Building, Loreto commenced maintenance and protection measures to the building’s roof in February of this year.

The scope of works undertaken was extensive, including the installation of insulation to the convent building and courtyard roofs, new Marseille clay tile roof to the main block of the former convent building, extensive repairs to the courtyard roofs and the introduction of security cameras and lighting.

As the works progressed, conservation was also undertaken to masonry and timber elements and two rendered cruciform, with Loreto emblems, were refurbished. Loose bricks and render were also repaired and conserved, together with two Loreto emblems on the east and west gables.
These works were completed in early July at a total cost of more than $935,000, and are part of preparing the former school site for eventual sale with the aim of having the building incorporated into any potential future development. 

Heritage status secured

The WA Government has today confirmed that the original Loreto School and Convent building has been added to the State Register of Heritage Places, following a successful application by Loreto. 

In confirming the addition, the Government noted the inclusion recognised Loreto’s significant aesthetic, historic and social value to the Nedlands community and the State. 

The addition to the register follows significant maintenance and restoration works by Loreto to the original school and convent structure, designed to safeguard and respect the building’s history and heritage. 

Heritage status consideration

In July 2023, an application was made to have the original Loreto school and convent building considered for listing on the WA State Heritage register – recognising the importance of the building to the history of the site, and to the broader community.

A heritage assessment was completed and lodged by Urbis on behalf of Loreto, and has now been supported by the Heritage Council. This support indicates the Heritage Council believes the former Loreto School site is likely to be of State significance.

The proposal will now be publicly advertised for a six week period, providing the community with the opportunity to provide input on the proposed heritage listing for the site.  

 The submission can be viewed on the Heritage Council website by scrolling to “Consultations open for comment – Heritage Act 2018 and Native Title Act 1993”. The Loreto application can be found on this list, and provides a link to the full draft register entry including the statement of cultural heritage significance.

To have your say on the proposal, submit your comments to HCWAregistration@dplh.wa.gov.au before the public advertising period closing date of 26 April 2024. 

If you have any further questions on the process, please contact info@websterstreetnedlands.com.au 

Maintenance and protection works

Loreto recognises the heritage value of the original school and convent building, which has stood on the site for approximately 90 years.

In order to ensure that heritage value is safeguarded, maintenance and protection works are set to begin on the roof of the Loreto School and Convent from February 15. These protection measures are being managed by expert heritage architects from Urbis, with works to be carried out over the coming months.

If you have any questions around this, please contact info@websterstreetnedlands.com.au