Sydney’s Wentworth Park greyhound racing precinct is set to be transformed, with 7,300 new homes around the site and multipurpose community sporting facilities built as part of a plan unveiled by the NSW Government.
The Government has confirmed the 14-hectare site will remain in public hands to help meet the housing and recreational needs of the growing Ultimo-Pyrmont area, just 1.5 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.
In addition to the new housing and sporting facilities, the Wentworth Park precinct will be immediately adjacent to transport links including a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, an upgraded light rail station at Wentworth Park, a continuous 15-kilometre coastal boardwalk from the Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo, and the Pyrmont Metro station, which is set to open in 2032.
“We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“But cities change and we have a responsibility to plan for the future.
“Right in the middle of Sydney and connected by rail, light rail, ferries and the future Metro, our plan for the future of Wentworth Park will deliver much-needed new housing while also providing up to 20 new community sporting fields.
“This is more homes, more playing fields and better public spaces, alongside the infrastructure that makes neighbourhoods work. This is homes and community facilities delivered together, not one without the other.
“This is how we build a fairer and more balanced Sydney. By creating new housing in well-serviced areas, instead of pushing growth to places without the transport and infrastructure to support it.”
As part of the plan, the 3.3 hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex precinct will be converted into community sporting fields and public green space, allowing for the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 2,500 additional well-located homes.
These are in addition to the 4,800 homes already planned or approved nearby, including around 2,000 homes on the old Sydney Fish Market and neighbouring sites, bringing the precinct total to as many as 7,300 new homes.
The Government says it will work with the City of Sydney Council to ensure the rezoning is delivered in a timely manner and will step in to undertake a State-led rezoning if required.
When the current greyhound lease expires in September 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to be converted into community sports fields.
Current estimates suggest approximately 20 additional sport fields are required in the city area by 2031 in order to meet the needs of the sporting community.
“Wentworth Park has a long and proud history, and today we’re securing its future for the next generation. This plan keeps land in the public hands and delivers new homes, new sporting facilities and new open space for a community that is growing fast,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
“Our city is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure people can live near the jobs, education and transport they rely on. We’ll continue working closely with the City of Sydney to deliver this rezoning in a timely way, and we’re ready to step in with a State-led rezoning if it’s needed.”
The new 14-hectare park will also be made available for hosting festivals and community events as a condition of the transfer to ensure the new harbourside parklands can be utilised by the whole community.
Current sporting and community users of Wentworth Park will continue to be accommodated, the Government said.
It says it will work with the Greyhound industry to support the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks, with $10 million to be allocated to the Greyhound Capital Grants Program for upgrades to ensure they meet track standards.
Works to transition the Wentworth Park site will begin following expiry of the greyhound racing licence held by the administrator for NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association, in late 2027.
“The transition of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex site to new, enhanced open space and community recreation uses is an exciting new chapter that marks the end of an era for inner city greyhound racing that has taken place there since 1932,” said Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris.
“The NSW Government continues to support a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity that balances tradition with community expectations.
“Greyhound racing is a valuable contributor to regional communities supporting thousands of jobs. While the curtain may be closing for greyhound racing at Wentworth Park, we will work with the industry to improve other tracks and ensure the sport safely continues into the future, including by enhancing the Capital Grants Program for track upgrades, with a further $10million investment.”
The Government has also today confirmed that Mirvac has been identified as the preferred tenderer for the old Sydney Fish Market site, with construction 1400 homes including 580 student housing units set to begin by early 2027, subject to planning approval.
