Massive Bardon block for sale — and it scares us

After delinquent teens burned down a hostel, neighbours thought their troubles were over. But it might be a case of out of the fire, into the frying pan.

This massive Lorward Ave, Bardon site is being auctioned on March 6. Neighbours are concerned units or townhouses will be built there by a developer. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

After putting up with appalling behaviour from troubled teens at UnitingCare’s former Bardon home for five long years, neighbours are now steeling themselves for a new battle.

The facility was badly damaged in early 2018 by the teen girls, and three buildings on the 5099sq m site were demolished in stages.

Now, the huge property is being auctioned on March 6 through Ray White.

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Neighbours are concerned a developer might try to build townhouses or medium-rise units despite the steep site’s drainage problems.

Resident Annie O’Moon-Browning said Lorward Ave already had a problem with speeding and was often parked out as it was near Wests Rugby League Club, at the end of the street.

“Only one house separates the club from this land and we are very concerned what might happen if they (Wests) expand on to it,’’ she said.

“There’s a magnificent stand of gum trees on lot 40 (under vegetation protection orders) and 20 houses back on to lot 40 and 50 (the site is on two lots).

“Some people are concerned they will be looking out on to a sea of roofs.’’

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Annie O'Moon-Browning, Anne Boccavella and Eunice Medeiros at the site. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

A public meeting is being held – to which all three Paddington ward Council election candidates are invited – on February 15.

Contact Ms O’Moon-Browning on 0402 404 657 for the address, if you wish to attend.

She said Greens candidate Donna Burns had vowed to buy back the site for green space, while Labor candidate Jeff Eelkema expressed concern but did not specifically commit to a buy back if Labor wins the March 28 election.

LNP Councillor Peter Matic said the property unfortunately did not meet Council’s criteria for a buy back.

He also toured the property, with local Greens MP Michael Berkman, after the fire and said he understood the concern of residents.

“But it’s in private hands so we can’t stop a sale,’’ Cr Matic said.

“The important thing is to work with residents to respond to any development application.

“Until we actually see an application we can’t guess what someone would do or what it might look like.

“The important thing is to work with residents and respond to any DA (development application).’’