Stanhope Gardens, New South Wales

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Stanhope Gardens is a suburb in the City of Blacktown, in north west Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The suburb is classed as a member of the Hills District. It shares the postcode 2768 along with neighbouring suburbs, Parklea and Glenwood. Other surrounding suburbs are Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge and The Ponds.

The suburb is in the Electoral district of Riverstone for the state of New South Wales. At Federal level, the suburb is located in the Division of Greenway.

[edit] History

John Hillas (1768-1837) arrived in Australia in 1801 and received two land grants on the Windsor Road. One of these he named "Stanhope Farm", and established an inn, the "Stanhope Arms". Part of the name remained, with the Peel family calling their dairy farm "Stanhope Park". The suburb name reflects these early properties. It was formally recognised as a suburb in 1996.

When Stanhope Gardens was first being developed into what it is today, it was called Parklea. A petition was sent around with most people voting to keep Stanhope in the name, becoming Stanhope Gardens.

[edit] Today

Located in the suburb is the Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, which is a fitness and swimming centre with wave pool. It is operated by the Blacktown City Council.

There is also a local shopping centre that is currently under expansion, which was completed on 22 Mar 07. Shops include Coles, Kmart supermarket, a post office, restaurants and other specialty stores. A lot of new housing is currently being built in the area. This includes the Newbury estate which boasts exclusive clubhouse facilities each with tennis and swimming pool for use by surrounding residents.

Public transport is available to go to the city, Parramatta, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and Blacktown.