Thomas Stubbs, Inspector of Nuisances City Council (Sydney) July 1847

Thomas Stubbs must have been a multi-talented individual.  Apart from being Inspector of Nuisances he was a composer, concert performer, persuasive auctioneer, journalist and farmer.

In 1836 he bought 18 acres at the southern end of Tarban Creek.  The Surveyor General at the time noted ‘nobody but a madman would want to buy’ this land.  Stubbs built a stone house and along with his family, established a vineyard, gardens and an orchard with ‘40 kinds of fruit’.

William Weaver (kneeling centre) George Turner, Didier Joubert, Charles Moore, Mr Pennington and members of the Blaxland family, circa 1860

The Marist Fathers bought Stubbs’ farm in 1847 and renamed it Villa Maria.  They commissioned the architect William Weaver to design a Georgian mansion in 1857.  A new wing with Gothic details was added in 1876.  We know it now as The Priory.

HHT luminaries Roslyn Maguire and Diana Drake wrote a detailed history of the building and its site.  This is now available as a FREE download.

Hunters Hill Council is currently considering options to ensure the long term survival of The Priory.

The Priory, Tarban Creek, built 1847-74

The Priory is a State Heritage Listed building that is managed by Hunters Hill Council.

Council intends to lease the Priory to Tranter Vass Pty Ltd for 21 years.  The Manning Road site would be ‘adapted’ for use as a wedding venue and corporate function centre.

Hunters Hill Trust is strongly opposed to the large scale of the new work that has been proposed, and will work to ensure the building and its grounds are not damaged.

A few points to bear in mind:

• Council hasn’t yet received a Draft Development Application from Tranter Vass, so we do not know exactly what is being proposed
• The granting of the lease is dependent on the Lessee obtaining development consent and the Minister’s approval the proposal (because it is a State registered heritage item)
• Local residents are concerned about the proposed hours of operation. Mr Vass says his business plan is only viable if the venue operates:

Sunday to Thursday until 10.00pm – staff gone by 11.00pm

Friday and Saturday until 11.00pm – staff gone by 12.00 midnight

• Should the current Expression of Interest (EOI) phase lapse with Tranter Vass Pty Ltd without a leasable result, Council and NSW Crown Lands will review the potential uses for The Priory and commence a new/revitalised EOI process.

We oppose any application that spoils the character of the original building.

For further information or to lodge a submission, email Annie Goodman at Hunters Hill Council:  goodmana@huntershill.nsw.gov.au.  Community consultation period has been extended to May 22nd.