The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is selling an eight-hectare site at 6 Wine Country Drive in the Hunter, originally purchased for a future Catholic high school. The land was bought for $4.6 million in August 2016.
In 2018, the diocese considered the site for a high school or early learning centre, but plans were not concrete. The property is now listed for expressions of interest, which closed on April 1, managed by Colliers real estate agent Peter Macadam.
Mr Macadam said most interest has come from residential development and retirement home groups. The listing notes the site is suitable for residential subdivision, land lease community, or retirement village.
A diocese spokesperson said the sale is part of regular asset management, guided by a strategic priority to focus on existing infrastructure. The decision was made early this year after reviewing evolving community needs.
The Cessnock area currently has three public high schools and one independent school, with a Catholic primary school but no Catholic high school. The closest Catholic high school is St Joseph's College in Lochinvar.
