Abbotsford Convent Providence

History
Built in 1887, this building was primarily used as a ‘finishing school’ for voluntary admissions. Girls were trained for service and ‘kept from adversity’.  Originally dormitories were upstairs, although over time typing was taught in those rooms. Further class rooms were located downstairs as well as a carriage house that faced the eastern service yard.

Present use
NMIT Arts Disability Training was the first tenant on site in the re-developed Convent project.  Having outgrown their original space on the ground floor, funds have been secured from the philanthropic and government sectors to create a purpose built facility in the space where the carriage house once was.  The Abbotsford Convent Foundation’s office are also located downstairs, with the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council inhabiting the first floor.