Mount St Mary's became a regional girls' school catering for forms 1 - 4 and, with the closing of St Bernard's College, Katoomba, St Mary's became "co-educational". By 1973 the operation of the school appeared to be non viable and the Sisters withdrew from the education ministry at Mount St Mary's. The Archdiocese of Sydney took over at the end of 1973, but, as a result of declining enrolments (180 students) the school was finally closed down in 1974. The Sisters of Charity entered into an agreement with the Archdiocese whereby the premises would be used as centre for religious teaching and training purposes. In January 1978 the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Australia offered the property to the Archdiocese of Sydney as a gift, ending their ownership of the Mount St Mary's property. The Archdiocese continued to use the premises as an educational and religious retreat centre until 1984, when a fire order was placed on the building by the Board of Fire Commissioners, and the building was closed down. As the cost of bringing the building up to standard was considered prohibitive, the Church sold the college and land for $425,000. In 1985 the property was purchased by John Patterson, Pamela Ruth Patterson and Liborio Donivito with the intention of transforming Mount St Mary's into a tourist attracting "Creativity Centre" housing, 30 craft areas, shops studios, galleries, performance and teaching areas. Work began in late 1985 to restore the site. The Renaissance Centre was opened by the Premier of New South Wales, Barrie Unsworth, on 29 March 1987. The property was sold to Crestown Pty Ltd in December, 1992. Since then tenants began to vacate the Renaissance Centre, which became privately owned and occupied. Description The property is located at 10 - 14 Civic Place Katoomba. The site is located at the northern side of the railway line, north-east of the Blue Mountains City Council complex and north-west of the Court House. The site is trapezoid in shape, with the former school and convent built into the western slope, facing north. The southern facade of the former school comprises the official entrance, and addresses a formal garden and courtyard with vehicular access. The building is built in the Federation Free Classical style. Its original form and composition is still evident and is a distinguished landmark in Katoomba, despite a modern extension. Landscape Condition As at 20