Charity sells conference centre, retreat to private school for $12.4m
Wesley Mission has settled on the sale of an adventure retreat and conference centre an hour drive north of Sydney to Pymble Ladies’ College.
The not-for-profit has owned Vision Valley at 7A Vision Valley Road, Arcadia, for more than 40 years.
The Upper North Shore private school is paying $12.39 million.
Ray White Commercial Western Sydney’s Peter Vines said 15 groups – other educators and religious entities amongst them – contested.
Site history
Wesley Mission found the 29.5ha Vision Valley property after a search beginning in 1969.
The purchase was supported by TNT Australia founder Ken Thomas, with a $25,000 donation.
Construction could begin when the state government tipped in another $10,000, according to the charity’s website.
The venue opened in 1972; it has since been used for school camps and corporate retreats.
Vision Valley can sleep 274. There is also meeting rooms and offices.
Outside the estate includes an archery range, abseiling facilities, flying fox, high and low rope courses, natural wall rock climbing, two swimming pools, a volleyball court and water slide (story continues below).
Wesley Mission will use proceeds for other charitable initiatives.
Next chapter
In a statement, the school said it had “big plans for many wonderful programs” at Arcadia.
“Vision Valley is only a 45 minute drive from the college…bordering the Berowra Valley National Park,” the purchaser added.
“It will provide an extensive and diverse range of opportunities for experiential learning and wellness activities”.
Director of Experiential Learning Stuart Clark said the site would allow students more accessible outdoor education opportunities “which was vital for personal development and character development”.
Off the grid activities are also anticipated.
“The adventure infrastructure is quite wide-ranging,” he added.
“With the acquisition of Vision Valley, we go from one standalone outdoor education event per year offsite, which is traditionally how outdoor education has been across the college, to potentially offering multiple events around that curriculum each year, with a bespoke staff who can really tailor that experience”.
