Former Commonwealth Bank chief economist Craig James has taken on an unexpected role at The Priory in Hunters Hill, helping care for the grounds of the long-unused sandstone landmark after seeing it deteriorate during daily walks near his home.
Daily Walks Spark A Hands-On Effort At The Priory
Craig James had spent years as a familiar financial commentator and chief economist at Commonwealth Bank before Parkinson’s disease forced him into retirement two years ago. In Huntleys Cove, near his home, his attention shifted from market movements to the condition of The Priory, a heritage-listed sandstone building that had been unused for about two decades.
The 19th-century building had boarded windows, broken glass and grass growing high around it. Mr James began tending to the outside of the property himself, mowing lawns, trimming edges and touching up peeling paint on window frames with sandpaper, paint and a brush.
His work has helped improve the appearance of the site while broader questions remain over the long-term restoration and use of the building. The boards have since been removed and broken windows replaced after he raised concerns about the building’s condition.
A Long-Vacant Landmark In Hunters Hill
The Priory is one of the historic buildings tied to the early development of the Hunters Hill area. It has been dormant for more than 20 years, apart from earlier attempts to find a suitable new use.
Previous plans considered adaptive reuse as a café, restaurant and community meeting place linked to Riverglade Reserve. Planning material also referred to possible education uses, artists’ space, public activities and community access. A development application was exhibited from 15 December 2021 to 23 February 2022, with issues such as traffic, parking, noise, seating numbers, trees, heritage impacts and operating hours forming part of the process.
A lease had been negotiated with a prospective operator, although it was not to take effect unless the required approval was granted. The building’s future use has still not been finalised.
Restoring The Priory would require major work. The cost of bringing it to a standard suitable for occupation has been estimated at at least $6 million, including façade restoration, electrical upgrades and fire services.
The Priory’s History Runs Through Generations
The history of The Priory reaches back to the 1830s, when Thomas Stubbs purchased land at Tarban Creek and built a single-storey sandstone farmhouse known as Longwood. In 1847, the property was sold to the Marist Fathers, who used it as a base for missionaries travelling through the South Pacific.
The Marist Fathers extended the original farmhouse, with architect William Weaver associated with later work on the building. The site was known as Villa Maria before Thomas Salter purchased it in 1874 and renamed it The Priory.
The property later became part of the Gladesville Hospital site. Its surrounding land was farmed for hospital use, and during the Second World War an air raid shelter was cut into the terrace. The building was later used for patient accommodation and then offices before being vacated in 2003.
Community Use Remains The Hoped-For Future
Heritage advocates have supported a future that would allow the public to use and enjoy The Priory again. Suggested uses have included a small café, community art gallery, artist-in-residence space, education activities, tours and access connected to the historic site.
For now, Mr James’ work has brought visible care back to the grounds while the larger restoration task remains unresolved. The Priory’s future sits between its deep local history, the cost of bringing it back into use and the continued hope that the building can again become part of community life in Hunters Hill.
Published 29-Apr-2026
