Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting has called on the NSW Government to guarantee residents that any rezoning of Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens would include infrastructure to support the expanded community Mayor Bunting is calling on the NSW Government to provide more time before the Glenwood Transport Oriented Development proceeds “The Glenwood community has made it clear that they need more information We heard their voices loud and clear today at a Council pop up forum The NSW Government’s Kellyville and Bella Vista draft rezoning proposal which includes Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens would add 20,700 new homes and as many as 50,000 new residents to the precinct Blacktown City Council is frustrated that the proposal for the narrow corridor contained no plans for new community facilities “Blacktown City has already accepted more than its fair share of new homes to try and help Sydneysiders overcome the housing crisis,” Mayor Bunting said the NSW Government’s rezoning plan proposes adding a population greater than the Strathfield Council area (45,593) without additional community facilities “The NSW Government needs to provide a detailed infrastructure plan to ensure this community remains liveable.” Housing and Infrastructure’s own documents state good planning requires that community facilities Mayor Bunting has urged residents to have their say on the proposal before the public exhibition period closes on Friday 9 August People can make a submission here: NSW Government’s Kellyville and Bella Vista state-led rezoning proposal before Friday 9 August 2024.  and Council will hold a community information meeting at The Ettamogah Hotel Mayor Bunting backed residents who are concerned that worsening traffic congestion and a lack of community facilities will result if the NSW Government does not revise its proposal Blacktown City Council already faces significant challenges providing: We acknowledge the Dharug people as the original custodians of the land on which Blacktown City is built We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge the Aboriginal people for their custodianship of this land We will work together for a united City that respects this land and values the contribution to our community and culture of all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.  Police are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged towards a home in Sydney's west this morning police were called to a home on Stanhope Gardens Officers attached to Riverstone Police Area Command arrived and were told a group of people had broken into the home before fleeing the scene Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident police have found evidence that a firearm was discharged towards the home any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage around the area at the time of the incident is urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages has officially opened its new state-of-the-art learning and community centre known as ‘The Hub’ in a special blessing ceremony on Thursday joined Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland Executive Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Jack de Groot St John XXIII Parish Priest Fr Jolly Chacko MS along with around 1000 students and school community members School Principal Dr Peter Webster speaks during the official opening and blessing ofThe Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College innovative multipurpose facility and spoke of its importance in one of the fastest-growing regions in Sydney “The hub is the centrepiece of one of the biggest education precincts in Western Sydney,” Bishop Vincent said speaks during the official opening and blessing ofThe Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College “This is a celebration not only of a structure but above all a commitment to build a better future for our children and a better future for Australia.”  Bishop Vincent shared how in journeying with Christ through learning we “sit on the old mat to weave a new tapestry” He referred to the Eight Beatitudes of Jesus displayed near the steps of The Hub “The Eight Beatitudes provide the inspiration for this learning community as they did for the pioneering sisters and brothers who founded the first Catholic school in Australia.”  An external view of The Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College Catholic education came into existence due to Australia’s pioneers who never saw a need without ‘doing something about it’ “Let it be imbued with the Spirit of Jesus who came to stretch our capacity to love and to ensure that no one is left behind let us build a future of hope for our children and for generations to come.”  CSPD Executive Director Jack de Groot echoed Bishop Vincent’s sentiment that outstanding education transcends the physical environment: the “bricks and mortar Executive Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) speaks during the official opening and blessing ofThe Hub at St John XXIII Catholic College “You will truly flourish within these spaces when you embrace the call of S John XXIII to explore your hopes and dreams during your time at school – let them inspire you in your learning.”  “Use every experience as stepping stones that will unlock your capabilities and talents,” he said The Hub’s opening coincided with the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at St John XXIII College of free internet for more than 15,000 Aussie families as part of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) The initiative – which is being implemented by NBN Co with $8.8 million from the Albanese Government – will end up supporting up to 30,000 families across the country Prime Minister Anthony Albanese poses for a photograph with students and parish priest Fr Jolly Chacko MS during a School Student Broadband Initiative announcement at St John XXIII Catholic College fulfils an election commitment to help to narrow the digital divide for families who otherwise have no access to broadband at home “We want to ensure no Australian child is left behind in their learning due to cost of living pressures.”  Woolworths Group has worked hard to offer the best possible convenience range and quality to the 24 million customers we serve each week across our growing network of businesses sustainability means constantly improving the ways we work to have a positive impact on our team our customers and the communities we serve – and in doing so creating a better tomorrow news and information from Woolworths Group and its brands Woolworths Group is proud to have 372,000 shareholders many of whom are everyday mum and dad investors Millions more are also indirect shareholders in Woolworths Group through their superannuation funds 9 May 2024: BIG W opened its first new large-format store since 2019 at Stanhope Gardens in Sydney’s North-West and an easy-to-navigate bulk buy department the store has been designed to provide convenience and value on trusted brands curated for families in the local community at the heart of its offer Managing Director at BIG W said: "Our new Stanhope Gardens store brings a new level of shopping convenience and value on brands they trust to the local community we are committed to providing quality products at low prices to our customers and we’ll continue to explore new ways to enhance their shopping experience Employing approximately 50 new team members this new store serves as a hub of employment and opportunity within the local community said: “The addition of BIG W to Stanhope Village is exciting news for shoppers and families right across North-West Sydney This important investment in Western Sydney delivers more than just easy access to products familiar to locals – it also creates great local employment opportunities The store showcases a fresh and inspiring new Home range an extensive books & technology department and the much-loved BIG W party shop that features made-to-order balloon inflation for those special family moments Complementing its focus on value is BIG W's commitment to sustainability including energy-efficient LED lighting and the use of trolleys and baskets made from recycled milk bottles Health and Beauty: Explore the new health and beauty space with the innovative 'shop in shop' format Discover popular brands like MCoBeauty and browse the new beauty appliances wall at great prices Direct to Boot: Streamline the shopping experience with three convenient drive-up bays for direct-to-boot online collections Alongside the standard in-store layby and free pick-up service it ensures smooth and hassle-free shopping for customers Dedicated Seasonal Event Destination: Customers can immerse themselves in seasonal festivities at this central location From the highly anticipated annual Toy Sale to Christmas and Easter celebrations it's a place for the community to come together and enjoy the spirit of each season Toys: Families can enjoy a welcoming toy experience where they can explore and bond over new favourites with BIG W’s own Somersault range offering exceptional value alongside beloved national brands Bulk Buys: Simplify the shopping routine with a dedicated in-store bulk buys section offering competitive prices on bulk household essentials Customers can enjoy the convenience of stocking up while shopping for their family Customers will find BIG W Stanhope Gardens within the Stanhope Village Shopping Centre Opening hours for BIG W Stanhope Gardens are Monday Thursday 8.30am - 9:00pm and Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm For further information, contact Woolworths Media: 02 8885 1033 or media@woolworths.com.au We are on a mission to deliver the best in convenience Woolworths Group acknowledges the many Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia and pay our respects to their Elders past and present We recognise their strengths and enduring connection to lands waters and skies as the Custodians of the oldest continuing cultures on the planet We are committed to actively contributing to Australia’s reconciliation journey through listening and learning caring deeply for our communities and working together for a better tomorrow Read more about our commitment to reconciliation Blacktown residents have a new location to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with a brand-new Return and Earn machine now open at Stanhope Village shopping centre The new Return and Earn machine is the 25th return point in the Blacktown area providing locals with even more opportunities to return their eligible bottles and cans for the 10c refund “The Blacktown community are already enthusiastic recyclers having returned over 674.6 million eligible bottles cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney Users of the new machine can print a voucher for the refund amount or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.     with funds raised through Return and Earn supporting the provision of emergency food hampers and assistance for disadvantaged families in the area Local recyclers can also choose to donate their refund to the current state-wide donation appeal in support of Little Wings providing free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas across NSW allowing for life-saving medical treatments.  More than 12 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the network of over 630 return points across NSW since the scheme began resulting in more than $1.2 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets Return and Earn is also a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW with more than $62 million raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched.     “I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of your regular recycling routine Together we can all contribute to a more sustainable future cans and cartons are made of are kept in use and out of landfill,” Mr The Stanhope Village Return and Earn machine is located at 2 Sentry Dr The machine is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm daily For more information visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.   Denne Dempsey 0474 313 310 [email protected] Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet Pay per release or save with a subscription CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE TDN FOR FREE! Remember Ben with a gift to Thoroughbred aftercare Subscribe for FREE to the Daily PDF or the News Alerts Home » Archive » Top News Europe » Book 2 Graduate Stanhope Gardens Becomes First Winner for Ghaiyyath Ralph Beckett trainee Stanhope Gardens (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}–Pure Art {GB} by Dutch Art {GB}) shaped with a great deal of promise when third behind the 'TDN Rising Star' performance of Ruling Court (Justify) at Sandown last month and became his freshman sire's first winner by dominating Wednesday's New 911 EBF Maiden Stakes at Beverley Positioned second for most of this extended seven-furlong test the 4-7 favourite seized control in the home straight and was beyond recall once hitting the front to prevail by 2 1/4 lengths from High Season (GB) (New Bay {GB}) “He picked up really well and I was very impressed with how he did it,” rider Rossa Ryan said of the G2 Royal Lodge entry where he only got the message a furlong out and stayed on really well we went a good gallop to the bend and I let him roll away he picked up and quickened and he didn't ease off the accelerator until I let him He took a lot of pulling up and going up another furlong would be no problem in time He's a fine horse with a good mind and I'd be disappointed if he didn't improve again.” ✅ 210,000gns buy Stanhope Gardens (Ghaiyyath) opens the account second of asking Stanhope Gardens is a garden square and street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea@Beverley_Races | @Rossaryan15 | @RalphBeckett pic.twitter.com/OH84evWc80 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 14, 2024 Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts. Copy Article Link Editor / News Stories:editor@thetdn.com Advertising:advertising@thetdn.com Customer Service:customerservice@thetdn.com Click Here to sign up for a free subscription The very end of Sydney’s shiny new Metro line is Tallawong station a place destined to be a high-rise-only suburb The sort of “Transport Oriented Development” (TOD) that strikes fear into the heart of inner city NIMBYs is here at the end of the line (Question: Why are tall buildings called flat?) But instead of transforming a low-density part of the inner city into urbanist TOD Tallawong is going from paddock tohigh-rise almost instantly The speed rivals China’s growth at its fastest an urban centre with eight-story building with shops and flats set around an open square A new set of buildings is being finished just next to these and a further clump is down the street the bulldozers are working on another set of flat blocks I got off the metro at Tallawong for the first time to visit Rouse Hill Anglican College about a 15-minute walk around the second photo It is a well-established school of 1600 students with a whole lot more kids about to arrive in the district Car spaces will be restricted at Tallawong with the Metro being the main mode of transport planting a church in Tallawong’s high-rise district is the way to go to reach Tallawongians with the gospel will plant new stations next to existing churches at Five Dock and Concord/Burwood North giving exciting opportunities as Transport-oriented developments come to existing churches.) that’s the story I heard about a bus tour of the North West Sydney growth area ‘ which takes the Sydney Anglican Church parliament out of its city home for a day One statistic from the bus was that to continue the vision of one church per 10,000 people the Sydney Anglicans would need to build a church every year for the next ten years Similar goals will exist for other Christian movements which is already larger than Perth and barrels ahead “Will you help the crowds see Jesus?” Archbishop Kanishka Raffel asked the Synod “The great need of Sydney is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.“I do not mean that Sydney does not have many other pressing and important needs Our churches and our agencies are constantly engaged in responding to the real-life impact of the cost of living crisis and the wickedness of violence against women; motions and reports in our business paper range across these issues and agencies respond to Sydney siders’ felt and physical needs across the diocese And I’m very thankful for all the ways in which so many seek to meet the needs of others with practical and financial assistance the truth and comfort of God’s word in prayer “But Jesus said to the paralysed man who was brought to him by his four excellent friends he taught that beyond our visible and felt needs are our deepest needs and only Jesus has authority to minister to what is deepest as well as what is on the surface Rescue from God’s coming judgement on sin and our need for hope in this world.” Raffel emphasised the needs of where he stood on the stage of Rouse Hill Anglican College Sydney Anglicans have been planting churches in these suburbs as they have grown in population and we have greenfield sites in Marsden Park Other areas in this corridor zoned for residential purposes include North Kellyville Some of the places that many of us have visited just now The population in this area is expected to grow by 10,000 people every year from now until 2031 the three local councils in the Northwest growth area whoever may be elected today to serve in them are required to build four 46,000 new homes or about 9,000 every year till 2029 Main image: Almost complete – Tallawong developer Deicorp’s vision It looks like JavaScript is not enabled in your browser Kildangan Stud sire Ghaiyyath got off the mark when Stanhope Gardens justified favouritism at Beverley on Wednesday afternoon trained by Ralph Beckett for Marc Chan and Chelsea Thoroughbreds was partnered by Rossa Ryan to come home a two and a quarter-length winner His victory in the 71/2f maiden followed a third-placed effort on his debut at Sandown in July The colt is out of the Dutch Art mare Pure Art and was bred by Tullpark Ltd He went through the ring as a foal at Goffs November where he was consigned by Stanley Lodge and purchased by Haras du la Grande Pointe for €82,000 Reoffered through Tom Blain’s Barton Stud at Tattersalls Book 2 last October he this time commanded a heftier 210,000gns with Jamie McCalmont teaming up with Chelsea Thoroughbreds for his signature while Stanhope Gardens became her third winner from three runners on Wednesday following half-sister Corky (Fastnet Rock) and half-brother Inspiritus (Sea The Stars) – the latter bids to give the family a quick double as he contests the 1m2f handicap at Windsor on Thursday was one of the most talented performers of recent times including the Grosser Preis von Baden by an eye-watering 14 lengths and the Juddmonte International by three lengths from Magical The son of Dubawi was trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin and stood his fourth season at Darley’s base in Ireland this year Ghaiyyath’s next runner is the twice-placed Bintabuha at Salisbury on Thursday ‘Of course there’s pressure, but it’s good pressure’ – Arqana bids to keep bucking the trend as crucial period commences  Published on 14 August 2024inNews Copyright © 2025 Spotlight Sports Group Limited or its licensors Please log in or subscribe to access all of Books+Publishing's premium content Purchase a subscription to access Books+Publishing‘s premium content We now offer a pay-by-the-month subscription Click here to see our range of subscription options Subscribe By clicking LOGIN, you are accepting terms and conditions and allowing cookies to identify your browser and keep you logged in. (See the privacy policy.) please click the button below to activate your service Check IP access Category: Local news The NSW government has announced the development of three new mini-cities in Sydney's north and northwest which will include tens of thousands of new homes situated close to train or metro lines These projects are part of the $520 million Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program aimed at addressing the housing shortage by creating high-density residential areas well-connected to public transport The first rezoning proposals have been released, targeting Kellyville and Bella Vista, Hornsby, and Macquarie Park These areas will see the addition of 30,000 new homes with a focus on affordability and accessibility The developments will be high-density and fast-tracked through fundamental changes to planning laws with a two-year timeframe set for commencement Kellyville and Bella Vista precincts encompassing Stanhope Gardens and Glenwood located near metro stations and public transport interchanges The TOD Program's rezoning proposal for these precincts includes the potential for up to 20,700 additional homes with a mandatory affordable housing contribution of three to eight per cent resulting in 620–1,650 affordable homes managed by a registered Community Housing Provider The precincts' boundary has been defined to include housing within 1,200 metres of transport hubs promoting walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation and reducing reliance on personal vehicles Previous infrastructure upgrades, including the Sydney Metro NorthWest line and new school facilities support this strategic planning and cycleways are planned to enhance the livability of the area The planning for Kellyville and Bella Vista has involved extensive consultation with The Hills Shire Council, Blacktown City Council and other government agencies to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the new homes This collaborative approach will also consider community feedback with the final proposal set to reflect the views and needs of local stakeholders We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Federal Labor minister Michelle Rowland has asked for suburbs in her electorate to be excluded from the state government’s plan for more housing near transport hubs in an intervention that exposes rifts within Labor about the push for higher density Rowland’s concerns relate to plans to rezone areas of Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens which are next to the Kellyville and Bella Vista metro stations as part of the NSW government’s signature Transport-Oriented Development Program An artist’s impression of higher density at Kellyville and Bella Vista metro stations included with the NSW government’s planning documents In a submission to the public exhibition of the plan road and transport infrastructure “need to be remedied before further density is considered for these suburbs” She also said her petition to “stop high-rises in Stanhope Gardens and Glenwood” had amassed more than 1000 signatures Both suburbs are currently zoned for low-density The master plan by the NSW Department of Planning would rezone areas close to the metro stations for eight- or nine-storey apartments It would increase Glenwood’s capacity from 1872 to 12,603 dwellings and Stanhope Gardens from 2061 dwellings to 9538 the department predicts slow growth in those suburbs in the next 15 years It anticipates 1791 new dwellings would be delivered in Glenwood by 2041 The proposal concentrates new capacity on the western side but predicts most growth for the next 15 years will happen on the eastern side it expects most of the growth for the next 15 years to be on the eastern side in the suburbs of Kellyville and Bella Vista themselves which are projected to deliver 10,500 new homes between them Rowland is one of the most senior Labor figures in western Sydney She has held the seat of Greenway since 2010 She warned rapid growth in Sydney’s north-west had already left key arterial and feeder roads at capacity which worsened traffic on Old Windsor Road “The streets around Glenwood and the entry and egress for the suburb mean that residents are wedged in traffic jams even as they leave their own driveways,” she wrote in her submission “Mass transit options are also at capacity with locals complaining that parking and bus services around the precinct’s metro stations are struggling to properly service residents.” Rowland credited the Labor state government and Commonwealth with starting infrastructure projects such as the future Rouse Hill hospital Communications Minister Michelle Rowland holds the federal seat of Greenway by a healthy margin.Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald She said while she supported the concept of increased density near existing infrastructure the necessary infrastructure does not yet exist in Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens to support the scale of the accelerated rezoning that is proposed” Asked about Rowland’s position at a budget estimates hearing on Friday Planning Minister Paul Scully said his Labor colleague supported more housing and she was simply concerned about the infrastructure backlog left by the Coalition government Scully rejected assertions by opposition planning spokesman Scott Farlow that Rowland was a “NIMBY” and instead branded the Liberals the “anti-housing party” for trying to disallow the entire Transport-Oriented Development Program in the parliament “Your housing target is zero,” Scully said But he said the government would take on board all submissions Rowland is not alone in Labor for criticising the proposed rezoning Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car to relay the community’s concerns about the plans Minns “has made it clear that our community must stop taking all the growth” The Liberal-led Hills Shire Council also raised concerns about the proposal in its submission It warned if Stanhope Gardens is ultimately removed “then the projected yield within this part of the precinct should not be transferred onto land east of Old Windsor Road” The Planning Department said the low projections for new homes in Stanhope Gardens - 364 by 2041 - reflected ownership arrangements involving community title schemes “Resolving some of these factors could lead to more apartment buildings and improved amenity for residents,” it said “Not all precincts with uplifted planning controls will be delivered immediately and the government’s new housing reforms are intended to increase housing supply not only over the period of the National Housing Accord but also over the medium- to long-term.” The exhibition of plans for Kellyville and Bella Vista along with five other “accelerated precincts” under the TOD program and the Planning Department will respond to feedback Plans for the eighth accelerated precinct, Bays West, have been delayed until next year while the government awaits a review into whether the Glebe Island industrial ports should be relocated to make way for high-density housing at The Bays Federal Labor minister Michelle Rowland has asked for suburbs in her electorate to be excluded from the state government\\u2019s plan for more housing near transport hubs Rowland\\u2019s concerns relate to plans to rezone areas of Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens as part of the NSW government\\u2019s signature Transport-Oriented Development Program road and transport infrastructure \\u201Cneed to be remedied before further density is considered for these suburbs\\u201D She also said her petition to \\u201Cstop high-rises in Stanhope Gardens and Glenwood\\u201D had amassed more than 1000 signatures It would increase Glenwood\\u2019s capacity from 1872 to 12,603 dwellings She warned rapid growth in Sydney\\u2019s north-west had already left key arterial and feeder roads at capacity \\u201CThe streets around Glenwood and the entry and egress for the suburb mean that residents are wedged in traffic jams even as they leave their own driveways,\\u201D she wrote in her submission \\u201CMass transit options are also at capacity with locals complaining that parking and bus services around the precinct\\u2019s metro stations are struggling to properly service residents.\\u201D the necessary infrastructure does not yet exist in Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens to support the scale of the accelerated rezoning that is proposed\\u201D Asked about Rowland\\u2019s position at a budget estimates hearing on Friday Scully rejected assertions by opposition planning spokesman Scott Farlow that Rowland was a \\u201CNIMBY\\u201D and instead branded the Liberals the \\u201Canti-housing party\\u201D for trying to disallow the entire Transport-Oriented Development Program in the parliament \\u201CYour housing target is zero,\\u201D Scully said Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car to relay the community\\u2019s concerns about the plans Minns \\u201Chas made it clear that our community must stop taking all the growth\\u201D \\u201Cthen the projected yield within this part of the precinct should not be transferred onto land east of Old Windsor Road\\u201D \\u201CResolving some of these factors could lead to more apartment buildings and improved amenity for residents,\\u201D it said \\u201CNot all precincts with uplifted planning controls will be delivered immediately and the government\\u2019s new housing reforms are intended to increase housing supply not only over the period of the National Housing Accord but also over the medium- to long-term.\\u201D along with five other \\u201Caccelerated precincts\\u201D under the TOD program have been delayed until next year while the government to make way for high-density housing at The Bays The feast day of Corpus Christi has a special meaning for Fr Jolly Chacko MS He believes that the celebration of the Eucharist is also a celebration of the parish and wider Church community when we are able to work together for the betterment of everything you become the true body of Christ,” he says “We come together to bring the bread and the wine and through that we become the Eucharist.” It is this common purpose that Fr Jolly spends much of his time working towards in the parish The parish is one of the youngest in the Diocese It also has some of the youngest parishioners some 1500 parishioners celebrate across five Masses Last year about 170 children received their first Holy Communion One reason for these booming numbers is the two large well-regarded schools in the parish – St John XXIII Catholic College which caters for kindergarten to year 12 and is located on the parish grounds Many of the young families in the parish have children at these schools and the schools feature prominently in parish life Fr Jolly and the parish organise students and teachers to be involved in ministries such as music and altar servers The school choir sings at weekend Masses once a month School children are involved with the SRE team teaching scripture at the nearby public school and a liturgical team is formed among the school children to organise liturgy in the school and to help out in the parish Parish Priest Fr Jolly Chacko MS during the feast day celebrations at St John XXIII Parish Another feature of the parish is its multicultural make-up with more than 17 nationalities represented in the congregation This multiculturalism is one of its strengths as everyone works hard to create “a unity in diversity” “We create opportunities for people to come together To help this along he makes sure his leadership of the parish is based on the care and support of his flock “Once people know that you are there when they need you Fr Jolly grew up as one of seven children in a devoutly Catholic family in rural Kerala he remembers his whole family being involved in parish life – his father was president of the parish council – and praying the Rosary every day he went on to university where he graduated with a double masters degree in political science and psychology He also completed courses in spiritual direction and pastoral care Parish Priest Fr Jolly Chacko MS at St John XXIII Parish he joined the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette and later travelled to the Philippines where he was ordained in the Latin Rite and worked as a priest He also spent time in France at the shrine of Our Lady of La Salette After serving the La Salette community in parish ministry as Novice Master and Director of Scholastics his community was invited in 2007 by the then Bishop of Parramatta Apart from three years spent back in India serving as Vicar Provincial between 2010 and 2013 Fr Jolly has served an assistant priest at Penrith and Marayong parishes and spent five and half years as Administrator and then Parish Priest at St Finbar’s he has assisted with the formation of deacons and the permanent diaconate He joined St John XXIII Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens Parish in 2020 Fr Jolly says he has always enjoyed going “where there is a need” “It is really the most wonderful blessing that God has given to celebrate the Eucharist every day and ministering to the community,” he says “It’s a joy to be with people in their happiest moments of life like baptism as well as a comfort to them in their grief and loss.” This article was originally published in the 2024 Ordinary Time | Winter edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish It was standing room only at St John XXIII Parish Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens for Menard Gaspard’s ordination to the diaconate in front of his home parish ordained Menard Gaspi to the transitional diaconate in front of his family and friends from around the diocese seminarians from the Holy Spirit Seminary in Harris Park and the priest who baptised him Fr Nards Mercene from the Diocese of Wollongong Deacon Menard Gaspi lies prostrate in front of the altar during his ordination to the diaconate at St John XXIII Parish Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens on Saturday 11 May 2024 Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta Bishop Vincent said: “His ordination gives us much hope even if we are surrounded by challenges of all kinds.”  Deacon Menard was ordained to participate in his own way in the three-fold ministry of the Bishop: Word he proclaimed: “Mum and Dad – see I told you to wait it was coming!” His humour was met with shared laughter Deacon Menard Gaspi speaks following his ordination to the diaconate at St John XXIII Parish He then thanked the Lord: “He knew how to inform me and test my patience.” He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who came including his family —  all 17 people and that’s not counting extended family —  who he described as “his foundation and bedrock” It was the first time the ordination of a deacon has taken place at St John XXIII Parish and Fr Paul Marshall was present to vouch for Menard as a worthy candidate Fr Paul said that the three tenets of the Synod — listening and witness — also mark each seminarian’s path toward the priesthood St John XXIII Parish marked and celebrated Deacon Menard’s ordination with a shared meal in the school hall He was then treated to a rousing rendition of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” led by Bishop Vincent Deacon Menard Gaspi celebrates with his parents following his ordination to the diaconate at St John XXIII Parish “We’re called by the Synod to really listen Deacon Menard’s vocation journey has been a considered one “My last year of high school I had a profound experience of the love of God and the joy of the Gospel … In front of the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus I chose to give my heart to Him and His people the Church,” Menard previously told Catholic Outlook Deacon Menard has had experience with three seminaries and has spent time in the Philippines as a missionary Deacon Menard arrived at St John XXIII in February 2024 after a year at Sacred Heart Parish Deacon Menard Gaspi during his ordination to the diaconate at St John XXIII Parish “It’s great to have him back [home],” his proud older brother Renan Gaspi said Renan commended his brother’s patience and perseverance in getting to this point in his journey of faith and service adding it was clearly what he’d been called to do “I think he has that special connection with the people ‘He’s very cool’: Could Matthan Estaca be his biggest fan Deacon Menard found himself engulfed by the love of God and the congregation on his special day Catholic Outlook lost count of the number of people who lined up to hug and request photographs with him after the ordination Mass But what made 11-year-old Matthan Estaca stand out from the crowd is what he held in his hands: a pen and notepad was over the moon to get the autograph of Deacon Menard Gaspi Photo: Isabell Petrinic/Diocese of Parramatta Matthan had lined up to get Deacon Menard’s signature because he was collecting autographs from clergymen “He’s very cool,” Matthan Estaca told Catholic Outlook Asked why he wanted the autographs of bishops Matthan smiled and said: “They’re good people.”  He added that maybe one day he would become a priest It’s a hopeful sign that the search for Jesus Christ and the role of the priesthood continues to be attractive to young men and that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in the Diocese of Parramatta Rewatch the joyful ordination of Menard Gaspi to the diaconate on the Diocesan YouTube channel View images from Menard’s ordination here or below: Delacroix (right) battles Stanhope Gardens to the wire in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse Aidan O'Brien landed a first Autumn Stakes (G3) Oct. 12 when Delacroix  battled home in the one-mile contest under Ryan Moore to set up a possible tilt at the Oct 25 Futurity Trophy Stakes (G1) at Doncaster In the early stages of the six-runner contest Moore had the 15-8 favorite on the shoulder of early leader Wolf of Badenoch  who came over to the stands' rail in search of fresher ground After being set alight entering the dip, Delacroix showed a pleasing change of gear to master Stanhope Gardens  and was not stopping at the finish when scoring by a neck Part-owner Derrick Smith was celebrating an 80th birthday and his son Paul said: "Delacroix is a lovely horse and Ryan said he won with a bit in hand With his pedigree there's no reason why he can't make up into a nice middle-distance prospect for next year." Delacroix, by Dubawi , earned his first group victory and now owns a 2-2-0 record in four starts. The 2-year-old is the the last of four foals out of 2015-16 Eclipse champion grass mare Tepin, whose death was announced Oct. 5 by O'Brien Sign up for BloodHorse Daily 5 Prix de Royallieu (G1) after previously taking the Stanerra Stakes (G3) July 10.  For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock news, visit RacingPost.com Revelop has purchased its second Sydney retail investment from Mirvac in 12 months The Parramatta based investor and developer is paying $158 million for Stanhope Village The $158m price reflects a 5.5 per cent yield given the 5.33 hectare block’s development upside The deal comes a year since Revelop picked up the historic Tramsheds complex on 2.3ha at Forest Lodge from Mirvac for $52m – or 53pc over book value JLL’s Nick Willis and Sam Hatcher brokered both sales “Stanhope Village reflects only the sixth freehold metropolitan Sydney subregional [shopping centre] of scale to have sold in the last decade,” Mr Willis said “Assets like this continue to attract a strong weight of capital in the current environment given the strong trading performance and investment fundamentals including long-term mixed use development opportunities,” according to the executive Mr Hatcher added “while the market continues to find clarity on the outlook of the economy investor demand for sub-regional stock remains elevated as evident by total transaction volumes being $2.7 billion for 2022 74pc over the five year average and just shy of that from 2021’s record breaking transaction volume” (story continues below) Mirvac opened the first stage of Stanhope Village in November Following a second phase of development four years later and an extension in 2015 Coles – with a 3500 sqm tenancy – and Aldi (1329 sqm) are the other anchors There are 74 specialty stores too – contributing to the asset having a Weighted Average Lease Expiry of 2.8 years the centre accommodates five million visitors with a Moving Annual Turnover of $172.9m Stanhope Village also contains 736 car parks The sale comes four months since Revelop outlaid $9m for the small Smithfield Square shopping centre Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe 30 Majestic Drive in Sydney's north west looks like any suburban housing estate if not for a boom gate and a clubhouse full of laughing retirees The former caravan site in Stanhope Gardens is now a demountable residential park for the over-50s SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Latest In CommercialFetching latest articles This is probably not the page you’re looking for Feeling a little uncomfortable for a few seconds is all it takes to save your life – that’s exactly what happened to 52 year old Andrea Gaylard The Schofields resident had a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW when its mobile van was at Stanhope Gardens in 2019 I couldn’t feel anything and the doctors told me that I may not have felt a lump until five years later if left unchecked,” Andrea said “My breast cancer was detected in its early stages and I was able to be treated successfully “I received an invitation letter from BreastScreen NSW saw the van at Stanhope Village and my mother encouraged me to have the screen “I promptly made my appointment which ultimately saved my life!” The married mother of three’s breast cancer treatment finished in 2020 and she now lives a normal “I didn’t lose my breast and I continue to take hormone tablets daily to prevent the cancer returning “I encourage women 50 years and over to have the scan and receive peace-of-mind that everything is okay “I was very lucky and am a breast cancer survivor!” A mammogram with BreastScreen NSW can detect breast cancer before it can be seen or felt The BreastScreen NSW mobile van is returning to Stanhope Gardens from Tuesday Stanhope Gardens and open between 9am-5pm most days The free mammogram is performed by a female radiographer a GP referral is not required and the length of the appointment takes around 20 minutes Westmead Breast Cancer Institute Director Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan urges women to take the time and visit the mobile van or a BCI Sunflower Clinic at a MYER store to have this life-saving test “Breast cancer is the most common and treatable cancer in women,” A/Prof Pathmanathan said “It affects 1 in 7 women and can be successfully treated if detected early “If you live in the Stanhope Gardens or surrounding areas aged between 50-74 years and are due or overdue for your breast screen visit the mobile van at Stanhope Village during business hours and we can squeeze you in.” To book your free breast screen today click here or call 13 20 50 please call 13 14 50 during business hours You can hear more about breast cancer from Associate Professor Nirmala Pathmanathan in our recent episode of the Western Sydney Health Check podcast here or listen below Western Sydney Local Health District is committed to delivering world class healthcare to support the health and wellbeing of our community We aim to work together to make our community the healthiest in NSW Photos must be high resolution and include correctly spelled captions with names from left to right Read the Disclaimers, Privacy and Copyright notice McGrath Rouse Hill today announced a strategic move as it joins forces with respected award-winning real estate professional After building a stellar career specialising in Sydney’s north-western region Ms Mundi brings more than 19 years of success and experience to the role of partner at McGrath Rouse Hill/Stanhope Gardens McGrath West Principal Kon Stathopoulos will team up with Ms Mundi in leading the 22-strong Rouse Hill/Stanhope Gardens team Mr Stathopoulos is delighted with the merge “This is a strategic alliance for our business,” said Mr Stathopoulos “Ruma will be an exemplary fit for McGrath values and views that are part of the fabric of McGrath she’s one of the leading female agents in the state “We’re finding most upgraders and downsizers move within five to eight kilometres of their home,” she added “They used to move towards the city but since COVID A committed proponent of industry training and development Ms Mundi has been on both sides of the coaching and mentoring equation “I started my real estate career attending a training session with John McGrath at the Hilton Hotel,” she recalls Invited to speak at AREC in 2019 and ranked with Australia’s top real estate agents [including REB’s Top 100 Agents] Ms Mundi believes in the benefits of mentoring in advancing her team to their greatest potential Mr Stathopoulos said McGrath supports its team with the best technology to increase productivity while allowing agents a better work-life balance “COVID has highlighted now more than ever the importance of looking after your family as well as your clients,” he said knows the importance of balancing family life “McGrath’s systems and supports mean I can have more time with my family while giving my clients and their properties the time and attention they deserve,” she explains “Ruma is known for her dedication to her clients with over 80 per cent of her business being repeat clientele,” said Mr Stathopoulos Ms Mundi has transacted more than 122 sales averaging $1,185,000 each A highpoint was her sale of 42 Winchcombe Place in Castle Hill a six-bedroom home on 2000 square metres which sold in August for $2.82 million “She is joining a group of top-quality sales agents where 45 per cent are super-talented female agents,” said Mr Stathopoulos “I’ve surrounded myself with the right people and now that we’re joining hands with McGrath “We have the right people for the right brand.” In addition to her sales team of five the rent roll with 400 properties under management will merge with McGrath West Source: McGrath Estate Agents News Sitemap Picture: Top NotchA MAN in his 20s was taken to Westmead Hospital in an induced coma with head and facial injuries after a lunchtime crash at Stanhope Gardens today TNV Webcam reported that it appeared that the driver had come out of Majestic Drive onto Stanhope Parkway at speed He crashed into an ironbark tree on the median strip about 12.45pm.  Initial reports were that he was unconscious,and possibly deceased but he could not be removed from the vehicle The CareFlight helicopter responded and its staff and ambulance paramedics stabilised the man before rescue firefighters cut him from the wreck He was taken by ambulance paramedics to Westmead Hospital in a serious condition Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident Braxton Slager drowned in the pool of his foster parents after three weeks in care. (Facebook: Braxton's Story) Link copiedShareShare articleAn inquest into the drowning of toddler Braxton Slager in 2014 has heard his foster mother did not assist paramedics who tried to save the boy. Former paramedic Nicole Williams told the court when she arrived at the Stanhope Gardens home, in Sydney's north-west, she felt obstructed by foster mother, Julie Tarlinton. Ms Williams said Ms Tarlinton did not answer questions about the boy's age, weight — or how long he had been in the water. Braxton's biological mother, Vanessa Naumovska ran from court sobbing as Ms Williams described the child when she arrived on the scene: "Pulseless. He was not breathing. He was unconscious." "There had been more time passed from the call arriving and how long he'd been in that state," Ms Williams said. Ms Williams said Ms Tarlinton: "Refused to come to the hospital with us. Refused to come in a follow-up ambulance. Refused to know the outcome." "That was very unusual. There is no 'normal'. But there is still a spectrum of appropriate." Braxton Slager's mother and father Vanessa Naumovska and Johnny Slager were both at the inquest today. (Facebook: Vanessa Naumovska) The inquest heard foster father Greg McBride feared another boy in his care may have opened the pool gate. Rhondele Mayo, from the contractor Life Without Barriers, told the court that at the hospital, after the boy's death, she spoke to the foster parents Mr McBride and Ms Tarlinton. Ms Mayo said Ms Tarlinton told her the older boy, who cannot be identified, found Braxton in the pool. She said Ms Tarlinton told her husband: "Go home and put a f***ing chainsaw through that pool. I want it gone before I get back." The inquest heard the older boy was autistic and intellectually disabled. The pool at the foster care home where Braxton Slager was found dead. (Facebook: Braxton's Story) Elise Hammond said she was hanging out washing on the morning of September 13, 2014 when she also heard her neighbour call out "Help, someone help". The inquest heard that Ms Hammond heard a woman screaming "Is that a f***ing kid?" "Then I saw [Ms Tarlinton] come into the pool area and pull the little boy out by his hands." Ms Hammond said the pool was green, and she believed no-one had been in it for between six and seven months. She said the toddler was wearing a t-shirt and green tracksuit pants and was very pale. Her husband, Steven Hawksworth ran to help perform CPR after he heard: "A scream like I'd never heard before." "I think I checked his mouth, he was really blue." Police documents tendered to the court recommend annual safety inspections at foster care homes. The statement from Detective Senior Constable Penelope Allan was tendered at the inquest into the drowning Braxton. It said such inspections should be thorough and not a "tick and flick". Detective Senior Constable Allan said if there is a pool at foster accommodation, a more detailed check should be required to make sure it meets safety standards. National counselling helpline: 1800 737 732 Bravehearts counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831 Child Wise Lifeline 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14 Care Leavers Australia Network: 1800 008 774 PartnerSPEAK peer support for non-offending partners: (03) 9018 7872 Find support services in your state or territory. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Richard Wright and Syd Barrett all lived at the house on Stanhope Gardens in the sixties Homes & Property | Celebrity homes A six-bedroom house in Highgate —with a neutral colour scheme underfloor heating and a state-of-the-art kitchen— may seem like an unlikely birthplace for rock and roll legends and the property on Stanhope Gardens is now available to rent for £11,999 per month – a price that the original band members drummer Nick Mason and keyboard player Richard Wright all moved into the house in 1963 as students while early lead singer and guitarist Syd Barrett arrived around a year later when Wright moved out the house was owned by live-in landlord Mike Leonard Leonard played an important role in the formation of the band —even filling in as keyboard player for a brief period— and was happy for them to use the space for rehearsals Leonard also created lighting systems that complemented the band’s music demonstrating his light and sound experiments in the BBC Tomorrow’s World broadcast from the house in 1968 the band was named “Leonard’s Lodgers” for a part of its infancy “You could hear them when you turned off the main road a quarter of a mile away,” Leonard is quoted as saying in Crazy Diamond: Syd Barrett and the dawn of Pink Floyd “The noise was phenomenal and although the neighbours sent round the police and council officials The band were even sent a lawyer's letter which alleged that the noise was damaging a resident down the road's health and threatened to sue them for invasion of privacy the house on Stanhope Gardens was where the band’s original sound began to emerge After a series of alternative names —including the Megadeaths The Tea Set and Pink Floyd Sound— the band began calling themselves Pink Floyd in 1965 They signed their first record deal with EMI in 1967 The house is thought to have played a crucial role in the group's development who went on to become one of the most successful rock bands in history with albums like Dark Side Of The Moon “Stanhope Gardens made a real difference to our musical activities,” wrote Mason in his book Inside Out: A personal history of Pink Floyd “We had our own permanent rehearsal facility Today, at £11,999pcm through Interlet the Edwardian house offers 3,000 sq ft of space over four storeys there’s a double reception area and designer Poggenpohl kitchen with bi-folding doors leading out into the garden where Mason once buried the hood frame of his Aston Martin It’s hard to imagine that any long-buried car parts would have survived the overhaul there are six double bedrooms and four bathrooms “[Leonard’s] Burmese cats entertained us in the duller moments climbing the hessian covered walls in search of that elusive sardine nailed to the ceiling,” wrote Mason in a Facebook post in 2012 instruments and animals have been replaced with underfloor heating custom-designed lighting and spacious kitchen cabinetry (although this is still a pet friendly rental) Wright and Barrett lived at the house while studying it seems unlikely that any students will be renting here for £11,999pcm – or that any landlord would be as lax on noise as Leonard Donald Trump says non-US movies to be hit with 100% tariff in major blow to UK film industry Trump says non-US movies face 100% tariff in blow to UK film industry David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash in London 'shut down' by council over noise complaints David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash 'shut down' over noise complaints VE Day 2025 flypast and parade LIVE: King Charles Prince William and Kate watch procession as crowds line the Mall King joined by senior royals to watch as huge VE Day parade under way UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Revealed: The real reason Brooklyn Beckham snubbed dad David’s 50th birthday amid family feud Revealed: Why Brooklyn Beckham snubbed dad David’s 50th birthday To say that Steve Reimer is excited about the future of his parish would be an understatement Stanhope Anglican Church began just over a decade ago under the umbrella of Rouse Hill moving under the banner of Life Anglican at Quakers Hill two years later – and this year the church plant has become a parish in its own right but funds from the Diocese ensured land for a church was bought in a prime position in the booming suburb of Stanhope Gardens The recent approval of the parish’s development application means that building will start on their land in a few months’ time Given that for its entire short life church members have met in the Blacktown Leisure Centre excitement about a true home of their own is pretty high “The anticipation for building on the land has been there for quite some time!” Mr Reimer says “We’re hoping that by Christmas next year we can celebrate in the building It will really help to give us a presence in the community and it’s a great location on the main road across from the shops “We want to be a light to Stanhope Gardens and the surrounding suburbs and we believe the building will help us to reach out and hopefully be a blessing to the community.” Mr Reimer says the suburb has changed tremendously in the past five years with cow- and horse-filled paddocks converted into “thousands and thousands of homes” “Whether people have moved from another part of Sydney or from overseas it’s really a mission field and one of the things we’re trying to work on is how we can make the most of that,” he says It’s on people’s hearts and we want to do it more and more but it’s not easy There’s been a real increase in the number of people moving into the area from all numbers of nations so we’re really working hard on how we can reach out to them… and larger numbers have come now from Asia and the Subcontinent “In some ways they’re open to talking about faith cause they’re used to that We’re trying to encourage people just in their everyday contact with others to be sharing their life and the gospel.” Stanhope has just hired the Rev Edwin Thambyaiyah part-time to take on the parish’s cross-cultural ministry – helping members reach out individually and collectively to their changing suburb the parish needs to raise support to keep Mr Thambyaiyah on long term and Mr Reimer says Stanhope is looking to make connections with other parishes that might see the value in “partnering with us as part of a mission in Sydney” “We’re thankful for the partnership we’ve had over the years with Quakers Hill and for one-off partnerships like St Paul’s Castle Hill [which came and helped] at Easter Sydney Anglican churches working together – that’s something we want to keep looking at.” On May 16 New Churches for New Communities is holding a celebration evening at the Wesley Centre in the city to share what God is doing at Stanhope, Leppington and Marsden Park – and looking forward to the work and challenges that lie ahead for each of these churches. People interested in attending can RSVP to cathy@ncnc.org.au Evangelical teacher suspended for not using trans pronouns to have $43K taken from account: court order ‘The King of Kings’ becomes top-grossing Korean film in US, surpasses ‘Parasite’ White House Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias launches Biblical box office: How productions like The Chosen are bringing Christianity to a screen near you More Opticare (Ambassadors for Christ South Pacific) Trinity South Christchurch (Church of Confessing Anglicans) St Faith's Anglican Church (RSL ANZAC Village) Book a job ad Every week you will receive our top stories in your inbox and we will never share your email address An outdoor balcony "with its own private entrance" in a wealthy London neighborhood is on the market for £50,000 But an apartment isn't included in that price told Insider that properties in the same building are worth an average of £1.2 million Jacobs told Insider that the agency has received around 220 inquiries about the balcony since it was put on the market three weeks ago He said some people who live in the building have expressed interest and that the space could be used to hang laundry or as an outside breakfast area.  he added that most of the interest has been external Some people have been confused to discover that an apartment isn't included in the price tag "Some people have misinterpreted the advert Some foreign investors have not understood and are thinking it's an actual flat," Jacobs said.  he said all buyers should do their "due diligence" and speak to the apartment block management about the legalities of making the balcony a home address.  Jacobs told Insider that purchasing the balcony would be a "creative way" for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder.  Housing prices in the capital and the rest of the UK have soared in recent months people are "looking for more creative ways to utilize space," Jacobs said.  from £255,556 (or around $325,835) to £273,751 (or around $349,033) between January and August of that year.  House prices have continued to rise in 2023, and the average property price in the UK was estimated at around £285,861, or around $364,472, according to a report published by the UK Government in July the average London property increased by 0.8% from £521,561 Jacobs said the potential buyer should consider that they would have to make a cash purchase as you wouldn't be able to take out a mortgage solely on a balcony.  The buyer would also be subject to the same factor fees as those who own apartments in the building The third floor balcony on Stanhope Gardens It is in the process of being sold for £35,000 Homes & Property | Property News renting and decorating in London from our award-winning experts I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice A terrace in South Kensington that was advertised for sale earlier this year is about to find a new owner The 128 sq ft, third floor balcony on Stanhope Gardens, close to Gloucester Road Tube station, was listed for £50,000 with Next Home Ltd in July The property is in the process of being sold to a purchaser who is buying it for its parking permit The balcony’s new owner had recently bought a property a road away and successfully negotiated a price reduction because it did not come with parking and will pay an annual service charge of £1,300 Despite receiving over 200 enquiries when the balcony hit the market this was not a use that Jacobs had anticipated “It wasn’t something we’d thought of initially…I thought of every other thing I got told of tents and canopies and all sorts of weird and wonderful ideas Parking spaces, particularly in areas like Kensington, come at a premium £80,000 represents the lower end of the market for a parking space with top-end spaces going for around £250,000 Jacobs’ buyer found out about the property through their buying agent They had intentions of installing a post box at the address and are planning to put plastic or glass framing around the balcony so that is waterproof Jacobs also had serious interest from a buyer in China who wanted to use the terrace as an art space They had offered £50,000 for the property and it had gone to the solicitors he has received 191 new enquiries about the property As well as initially receiving enquiries about the possibility of pitching a tent on the terrace and building a conservatory in the space Jacobs was also approached by a party looking to hold a dance class there With the terrace gaining around 400 enquiries in total “It took a lot of man hours to filter through all the leads,” he says “I got a lot more emails [since the property was relisted] Jacobs has also had his share of wind-up enquiries from people thinking that the entire flat was for sale (“they’d not read the full description”) to others calling the terrace “an expensive doormat” He reads one email aloud: “I’d like to buy this terrace so that I can sip mojitos and go back to my cardboard box on the street afterwards.” He laughs “Why would you waste your time to write that?” Others have asked about the possibility of carving up their own gardens and spaces and selling them for profit ‘I can get a quick 50 grand from separating my garden up.’ It’s not as straightforward as that.” This was the first time Jacobs had listed a terrace “It’s come to the conclusion that we intended by selling the unit I wouldn’t have listed it if I didn’t think I could sell it.” To Jacobs, the attention that the terrace has gained is a symptom of the problems in the housing market. “I think it’s a sign of the times: the poor are getting poorer, and the rich are getting richer. I think people that are struggling are more likely to view it negatively – people in Chelsea putting up balconies for 50 grand It’s caught people’s attention on that basis – people can’t afford rents and now they can’t afford terraces,” he says The 128 sq ft balcony is located on Stanhope Gardens in Kensington where the average property costs £1,388,750 A third-floor terrace — or large, AstroTurfed balcony, rather — has been listed for sale in South Kensington for £50,000 the 3.4x3.5m terrace is surrounded by a metal railing and overlooks a neighbouring mews street Rather than adjoining an apartment, the terrace is registered as a separate property with its own title and 110-year lease “It’s a standalone terrace area – you come up some stairs there’s a door to access it and there’s literally just a terrace there,” says agent Glenn Jacobs at Next Home Ltd The property is advertised as “ideal for individuals looking to expand their property or business portfolio” “suitable for someone seeking a prestigious central London address” who says this is the first terrace he has listed anticipates that the balcony may interest property owners in the same building looking for extra outdoor space since it was listed at the beginning of July Jacobs has had almost 200 enquiries about the terrace – with a “mixed pot” of proposed uses “I’ve had people approach me about whether the lease would enable them to live in a tent on the terrace,” he says Others have enquired about the possibility of building a conservatory in the space and about putting a table and chairs outside and using it as a painting or arts space I hadn’t even considered that people would look to be more creative in regards to where and how they live.” Average cost of a semi hits an eye-popping £11 million in Kensington Mind your head: tiny Hornsey studio let within days of price reduction to £999pcm desperate drivers and Londoners cashing in: how parking spaces are becoming hot property With the average property on Stanhope Gardens costing £1,388,750 and rooms in the postcode going for £1,006 per month, according to SpareRoom Jacobs says he can see why people are considering other options the fact that a £50,000 balcony is being considered as a viable —even attractive— place to live serves as a stark reminder of London’s broken housing market