Latest news with #KemptonPark
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Kempton Park still at risk of closure as developers have option to build houses on famous track until 2030
KEMPTON PARK is still at risk of being closed and knocked down for housing. The Jockey Club announced in January 2017 they were selling off the racecourse to developers in a bid to raise £100 million. 2 2 But the track was given a reprieve when those plans hit the buffers in the face of opposition from Spelthorne Council and a number of high-profile racing industry figures. So the Jockey Club sold an 'option to purchase' to builders Redrow in September 2018, Sunracing can reveal, meaning they can buy the land for development during a set timeframe whenever they want for a pre-agreed price. The expiry date on the agreement is in 2028, though it can be extended a further two years if Redrow express interest in going ahead with the purchase of the 230-acre site, either in its entirety or part of it. The Jockey Club has not hidden its desire to sell off land at Kempton for housing to raise much needed funds, and in February 2020 they announced revised plans to develop on part of the site which would not involve demolishing the home of the King George. But those plans were also scuppered by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Jockey Club remains in a deep financial hole, with the last set of accounts published last summer showing they have around £54 million of debt. Spelthorne Council said eight years ago the site was unlikely to be considered for housing eight as it was deemed 'strongly performing' green belt land. But the new Labour government has relaxed planning laws to encourage house building, with the aim to build 1.5 million new homes before the next election. The Jockey Club dismissed recent speculation on social media that the racecourse was to be closed at the end of next year, but there is a desperate need for housing in Surrey and Redrow is still interested in developing the site, for all they have yet to trigger their option to buy the land. A Redrow spokesperson said: 'We have an agreement with the Jockey Club to promote Kempton Park for development, lasting until 2030. 'Since this agreement was made, we have been reviewing whether the site, or parts of it, could assist with the delivery of much needed new housing in Surrey.' The Jockey Club said: "Since 2018, Redrow have had the exclusive right to promote Kempton Park as a potential site for residential development, lasting until 2028. "Since the agreement came into effect it has been entirely normal procedure for there to be ongoing discussions to see if the site, or parts of it, could play a part in addressing the need for houses in the local area. "Given the recent changes in wider planning policy, it is no surprise that those discussions are continuing, but in real terms there has been no change in Kempton Park's status.' . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Russia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Russia Today
South African leader defends black economic empowerment policy
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a forceful defence of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) on Friday night, calling out its critics and questioning whether their opposition stems from fear or envy. Speaking at the Black Business Council's annual summit gala dinner at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Ramaphosa doubled down on the government's unwavering support for transformation policies aimed at redressing South Africa's deep-rooted inequalities. He reaffirmed plans to convene a national dialogue focused on tackling the country's most urgent socio-economic challenges — a process he said will be vital in shaping an inclusive and sustainable future. Ramaphosa argued that real economic growth will only be possible through meaningful transformation while highlighting the significance of the proposed Government of National Unity (GNU). 'Fundamental economic transformation is vital to the growth of our economy and the progress of our nation. This transformation is necessary if we are to unlock the capabilities of all our people and realise the full potential of our economy,' he said. He positioned the GNU as a platform for uniting stakeholders behind bold reforms that can drive change. 'Transformation is not a hindrance to growth — it is the engine of growth,' Ramaphosa said, underscoring the role of legislative tools such as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) framework and the Employment Equity Act in building a more equitable economy. 'We must dispense with the false choice that we are urged to make between growth and transformation. Transformation is vital if growth is to be meaningful, inclusive and sustainable. 'Growth is essential if we are to effectively transform our economy. Our task is to ensure that we pursue both growth and transformation, in concert, with more vigour and to greater effect,' he said. While acknowledging progress, the president was candid about the stark racial disparities that persist. He noted that the average income of white households remains nearly five times higher than that of black African households — a gap that, in his view, underscores the continued need for aggressive policy intervention. 'We need to challenge the notion that black economic empowerment is a cost to the economy. We need to demonstrate that it is an investment in the economy. 'Now is not the time to abandon the measures we have put in place to drive is the time to move forward with greater purpose and ambition. 'We must use the lessons we have learned over the last 30 years to make our empowerment policies and programmes more meaningful and more impactful. 'They must be ever more effective drivers of inclusive growth and employment,' Ramaphosa published by IOL
The Age
a day ago
- Sport
- The Age
Tips and race-by-race guide for Scone on Tuesday
Selections based on a soft track. Race 1 5. Marin County is a UK import that had two starts at Kempton Park late last year and didn't do much in either. She had her first start in Australia when produced at Inverell and ran a solid-enough race to finish midfield. She is better for that run and can go on with the job here. 7. Priscila Statement ran third at Muswellbrook on debut and shouldn't be taken lightly based on that effort. 8. It Stays In Vegas won a trial before resuming with a fifth at Muswellbrook. He could make an impact in this. 1. Hot Chestnut resumes from a spell here and has shown some ability despite not figuring in the placings to date. How to play it: Marin County each way. Race 2 2. Lady Memphis has only had two starts for a debut second behind Private Harry at Newcastle and a strong win at Goulburn as favourite. She resumes from a spell here after two trials and only needs to return in the same form she left in to be winning again. 3. Signatories won at Muswellbrook on a heavy track two starts ago then was down the track in a tougher race here last time. He is set to improve in this. 1. Capital Dancer wasn't beaten far at Newcastle when last produced and has claims, while 8. Ranhita has been midfield of late and is far from the worst. How to play it: Lady Memphis to win. Race 3 9. Ritzsun is a talented performer with two wins and four placings from nine starts. He has finished second at Mudgee and Gosford at his latest two starts and is knocking on the door for another victory after a recent trial in which he ran well. 6. Florida Sky resumes here after two trials and has shown the ability in her career to maintain her good fresh record here. 7. Bodgie has finished third in each of his latest two starts and can get into the money again. 8. In Spades was placed last time out and has claims again. How to play it: Ritzsun to win. Race 4 1. Louisburgh resumed with a solid second at Wyong then started at a short odds-on quote only to finish second again at Gosford when narrowly beaten. He should be at his peak now. 3. Purple Haze debuted with a third in a small field at Wyong and followed that up with a last-start fourth at Gosford. 9. Backward Glance followed a couple of placings with a last-start fourth at Newcastle and that form looks solid, while 5. Omaha Sand resumes here and hasn't been beaten far in each of his three starts. How to play it: Louisburgh to win.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Tips and race-by-race guide for Scone on Tuesday
Selections based on a soft track. Race 1 5. Marin County is a UK import that had two starts at Kempton Park late last year and didn't do much in either. She had her first start in Australia when produced at Inverell and ran a solid-enough race to finish midfield. She is better for that run and can go on with the job here. 7. Priscila Statement ran third at Muswellbrook on debut and shouldn't be taken lightly based on that effort. 8. It Stays In Vegas won a trial before resuming with a fifth at Muswellbrook. He could make an impact in this. 1. Hot Chestnut resumes from a spell here and has shown some ability despite not figuring in the placings to date. How to play it: Marin County each way. Race 2 2. Lady Memphis has only had two starts for a debut second behind Private Harry at Newcastle and a strong win at Goulburn as favourite. She resumes from a spell here after two trials and only needs to return in the same form she left in to be winning again. 3. Signatories won at Muswellbrook on a heavy track two starts ago then was down the track in a tougher race here last time. He is set to improve in this. 1. Capital Dancer wasn't beaten far at Newcastle when last produced and has claims, while 8. Ranhita has been midfield of late and is far from the worst. How to play it: Lady Memphis to win. Race 3 9. Ritzsun is a talented performer with two wins and four placings from nine starts. He has finished second at Mudgee and Gosford at his latest two starts and is knocking on the door for another victory after a recent trial in which he ran well. 6. Florida Sky resumes here after two trials and has shown the ability in her career to maintain her good fresh record here. 7. Bodgie has finished third in each of his latest two starts and can get into the money again. 8. In Spades was placed last time out and has claims again. How to play it: Ritzsun to win. Race 4 1. Louisburgh resumed with a solid second at Wyong then started at a short odds-on quote only to finish second again at Gosford when narrowly beaten. He should be at his peak now. 3. Purple Haze debuted with a third in a small field at Wyong and followed that up with a last-start fourth at Gosford. 9. Backward Glance followed a couple of placings with a last-start fourth at Newcastle and that form looks solid, while 5. Omaha Sand resumes here and hasn't been beaten far in each of his three starts. How to play it: Louisburgh to win.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Biggles Removals weekly update on the East Rand's property, infrastructure and moving trends
A snapshot of property, economic, and infrastructure developments in The East Rand. This week we're covering Kempton Park, Edenvale, and Bedfordview. Whether you're relocating or investing, we combine the latest property insights with our local furniture moving experience in these eastern suburbs of Johannesburg. Kempton Park Kempton Park is a major transport and residential hub on the East Rand, located near OR Tambo International Airport. It features a mix of suburban homes, townhouses, and cluster developments, making it attractive to both families and working professionals. Property trends: Kempton Park is a high-volume property market known for affordability and accessibility. According to Lightstone Property, freehold homes dominate the landscape, with growing interest in sectional title units, particularly in suburbs like Glen Marais and Edleen. - Strong demand among first-time buyers and young families. - Sectional titles in areas like Birchleigh North attract investors due to high rental turnover. Infrastructure developments: The Kempton Park CBD Urban Design Precinct Plan, approved by the City of Ekurhuleni, focuses on redeveloping the central business district. This plan aims to enhance public spaces, encourage investment, and address urban decay, aligning with the city's broader Aerotropolis Master Plan. Adjacent to O.R. Tambo International Airport, ORTIA Precinct 2 is a 29-hectare Special Economic Zone (SEZ) designed to attract light industrial and manufacturing activities. The development includes essential municipal infrastructure such as water, sewer, electricity, roads, and IT services, positioning it as a hub for high-value, air-freightable products. Notable property developments in Kempton Park: - Riverfields Mixed-Use Precinct: A R7bn development combining residential, industrial, and retail spaces with sustainable infrastructure and growing commercial appeal. - Riverstone Wetland Estate: A sustainable lifestyle estate launched in 2025, featuring eco-friendly housing integrated into a preserved wetland environment. Investment appeal: Kempton Park offers reliable property performance with accessible entry points. Properties priced between R900,000 and R1.5m, particularly in Glen Marais, attract consistent buyer activity. Recent sales trends show cluster homes in this price bracket achieving rental yields of 8% to 10%, especially among airport staff and logistics workers. Sectional title snapshot: Complexes like Strelitzia, Spartan Village, and The Willows offer lock-up-and-go living with 24/7 security and are popular with airport staff and logistics professionals. Rental demand: One- to two-bedroom units near the airport rent for R5,500 to R9,000 per month. Demand spikes for furnished units catering to frequent flyers and airline staff. Biggles Removals – Kempton Park furniture movers: This past month, we helped several families with their furniture relocations in Kempton Park. A question we often get is: 'Will moving companies store your furniture?' Yes, most professional furniture movers offer storage solutions as part of their services. Storage can be arranged for short- or long-term periods. Many movers also offer flexible pricing based on the size of your load and the length of storage needed, making it a convenient option during transitional phases. It's always best to confirm availability and costs with your chosen moving company in advance. Bedfordview Bedfordview is one of Johannesburg's more affluent eastern suburbs, offering a blend of luxury homes, townhouses, and high-end sectional titles. Its excellent schools, gated communities, and close access to highways make it especially attractive to established families and business professionals. Property trends: Bedfordview consistently ranks as a premium property area. According to Lightstone, the suburb boasts some of the highest average property values on the East Rand. There's been a growing trend toward secure estates and smaller luxury clusters. - Freehold homes in gated estates remain in demand. - Modern apartments and clusters in complexes like The Nicol and The Bailey attract young professionals. Infrastructure developments: Bedfordview, a prestigious suburb in Gauteng, is experiencing notable urban development initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community amenities. The City of Ekurhuleni has allocated substantial budgets for mega projects, including the construction of new sewer and water pipelines in nearby areas like Pomona and Nigel. These projects are part of a broader initiative to improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan District. Additionally, the city is advancing mega human settlement projects that encompass the provision of serviced sites with permanent infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sanitation, ready for the development of integrated human settlements. Notable property developments in Bedfordview: - Infinité: A landmark 15-storey, 200-unit luxury residential estate located near the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve. - Bedfordview Frontier: A modern, secure estate directly opposite Reddam House private school. Investment appeal: Bedfordview properties have shown capital growth of up to 6% annually over the past five years, with rental prices remaining resilient even during economic dips. Secure estates are especially attractive to executives and expatriates, with rental occupancy rates consistently above 90%. Sectional title snapshot: Developments like The Nicol, Villa Abrosia, and Bedford Gardens combine high-end finishes with hotel-style amenities. These units rent well to executives and short-term corporate tenants. Rental demand: Furnished 2-bedroom units in secure estates rent for R14,000 to R25,000 per month. Executive homes with modern finishes command upwards of R30,000 per month. Biggles Removals – Bedfordview moving company services: 'Do I need insurance for my move?' While not mandatory, moving insurance is highly recommended – especially for long-distance relocations or valuable furniture. Policies can be arranged through your moving company or independently, and typically cover damage, loss, and transit risks. Edenvale Edenvale is a well-established suburb located between Johannesburg and Kempton Park. With a mix of older family homes, newer clusters, and sectional title developments, Edenvale attracts a diverse population, from retirees to young professionals. Property trends: According to Property24, Edenvale has seen steady property demand, particularly in suburbs like Greenstone Hill, Edenglen, and Dowerglen. Greenstone has become a sectional title hotspot, while Edenglen is preferred for freestanding family homes with large gardens. - Greenstone Hill has over 60% of recent sales in sectional title. - Strong migration into the area from central Johannesburg due to affordability and lifestyle benefits. Infrastructure developments: Edenvale continues to benefit from its location near the N3, R24, and Modderfontein Road. The development of Greenstone Shopping Centre and the Greenstone Crest precinct has turned the area into a mixed-use urban hub with modern amenities. Notable property developments in Edenvale: - Greenstone Hill Developments: A series of modern residential complexes offering a range of apartments and townhouses. - Elma Park Orion Building: A mixed-use development strategically located near major transport routes, combining residential units with commercial spaces to create a vibrant community hub. Investment appeal: Edenvale offers mid-range investment opportunities with a wide rental market and easy access to major business hubs. According to Seeff, Edenvale properties offer strong resale value and low vacancy periods. Sectional title snapshot: In Greenstone, lifestyle estates offering shared gyms, pools, and work-from-home amenities see average vacancy periods of less than three weeks. These sectional title units also retain 90% and more of their value over a five-year holding period, according to Seeff's 2024 market report. Rental demand: Two-bedroom sectional title units in Greenstone rent for R9,000 to R14,000 per month. Demand is highest for secure units with parking and Wi-Fi, popular among digital professionals and small families. Biggles Removals – Edenvale furniture movers: 'Can moving companies move pets?' Most moving companies don't transport pets directly due to safety regulations and insurance limitations, but some offer assistance by coordinating with professional pet relocation services. These specialists ensure your pet travels safely by providing climate-controlled transport, vet checks, travel crates, and door-to-door delivery. It's best to arrange pet transport a few weeks in advance and use certified providers for a stress-free move. Furniture removal costs in Kempton Park and surrounding areas There are many affordable moving companies in Johannesburg, but furniture moving costs will always be dependent on several factors. This includes the volume of your furniture, the distance travelled, and additional services such as packing and wrapping that you may need from your moving company. Local moving company prices in Kempton Park and surrounds: 1–2 bedrooms: R1,500–R5,000 3–4 bedrooms: R6,000–R12,000 5+ bedrooms: R12,000–R20,000 Long-distance moves: Within 200km: R6,000 – R15,000 Over 200km: R15,000 – R30,000 Additional furniture moving services: Packing/unpacking: R500–R3,000 Furniture disassembly/reassembly: R300–R1,500 per item Storage solutions: R500–R2,000 per month
