After almost 100 years of hosting greyhound racing, Wentworth Park is set to be transformed into green space, paving the way for thousands of new homes.
The NSW government has unveiled plans to transform Wentworth Park into public green space, which could enable up to 2500 new homes in the surrounding area.
Wentworth Park sits just 1.5 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD and has long been a focal point for sport and recreation in Glebe. This housing boost adds to 4800 homes already planned nearby, including 2000 at the former Sydney Fish Market site at Blackwattle Bay – where developer Mirvac has been named preferred tenderer.
Altogether, the Glebe, Blackwattle Bay and Pyrmont areas could see 7300 new homes delivered over the coming years.
Wentworth Park, just west of Sydney’s CBD, will be converted to green space, with rezoning to allow up to 2500 homes. Picture: Getty
Spanning 14 hectares, Wentworth Park has hosted greyhound racing for almost a century. The state has confirmed that once the lease expires in 2027, the sporting facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to create community sporting fields.
Under the plan, the 3.3-hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex will be redeveloped into open space, enabling rezoning to support the construction of up to 2500 homes in the immediate precinct.
The government said the change is part of its broader strategy to deliver more housing close to public transport, jobs and education, while also expanding green space for residents.
For Wentworth Park, this includes a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, an upgraded light rail station, the Pyrmont Metro station, which is set to open in 2032, and a 15km coastal boardwalk from the Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
NSW premier Chris Minns acknowledged Wentworth Park’s long history but said the state has “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,” Mr Minns said.
“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.”
An illustration of what Wentworth Park could look like. Picture: City of Sydney
NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said collaboration with the City of Sydney will be key to ensuring rezoning happens efficiently.
“Our city is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure people can live near the jobs, education and transport they rely on,” Mr Scully said.
"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.”
Urban Taskforce Australia welcomed the announcement noting the extra housing would “help ease the pressure in the inner city”.
“It shows that the Minns Government is listening to the public and understanding the urgency for more and better housing supply to meet community needs,” CEO Tom Forrest said.
“Rather than being nostalgic for the past glory of Wentworth Park, the NSW Government has recognised that cities change and that the site could be better used for the benefit of the community.”
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