Hare Krishnas buy Otford conference centre

The Uniting Church’s 152-bed conference centre at Otford has been sold to the Hare Krishna organisation for about $2.6 million.

The 10 hectare property has been held by the church for nearly 70 years and forms part of its chain of five conference centres across Sydney.

The executive officer of Uniting Conference Centres, Doug Shoemark, would not disclose the buyer or the price but said a contractual arrangement had been entered into with a purchaser.

However he said the sale was not due to settle until the end of August.

Helensburgh & District News understands the church will lease back the property from the Hare Krishnas until the end of the year.

Agent Ian Hembry of Mosman-based Trian Consulting acted for the buyers and said the centre would be used as a place of learning and a retreat, much as it is now.

“The Hare Krishnas are very transparent and very generous,” he said.

“They are now considered a mainstream religious organisation and charity and they do get involved in the local communities where they operate.”

Ian said the Hare Krishnas had been looking for a suitable property for some time.

“They are increasing their charity work and needed another site,” he said.

“It will be open to all comers and any group with a legitimate purpose will be able to book the centre.”

The executive director of the Uniting Church’s Board of Education, John Oldmeadow, said the Otford property was sold to further develop existing centres at Elanora Heights, Lane Cove, Grose Vale and Bonny Hills.

‘That’s part of our mission plan and our business plan,” he said.

John said better facilities at the other centres would lead to an improved level of service for customers.

“It’s our mission to provide quality, low-cost accommodation for school, church and community groups,” he said.

The Hare Krishnas are expected to occupy the Otford Conference Centre from January 2005.