“We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change,” Minns said. “But cities change and we have a responsibility to plan for the future.
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“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.”
The government says it will work with the City of Sydney to ensure rezoning of Wentworth Park is delivered in a “timely manner” and will step in to undertake a state-led rezoning if required.
The government will also work with the 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 other sites meet track standards.
The government on Monday also confirmed that developer Mirvac has been identified as the preferred tenderer for the old Sydney Fish Market site, with construction of 1400 homes, including 580 student housing units, to begin by early 2027, subject to planning approval.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has led the charge to turn Wentworth Park into an urban park and sporting complex, arguing the redevelopment would create much-needed open space to address the anticipated population surge in Pyrmont over the next 20 years.
The City of Sydney released a plan to transform the site with sporting fields, picnic areas and parkland.
In October, City of Sydney councillors unanimously endorsed Moore’s “community vision” for the park, which replaced the circuit and grandstand with sports fields, picnic spots and parkland.
The council, along with state MPs and 25 residents’ and animal justice groups, last month issued a fresh plea to the government to scrap the dog track and return the “precious public land” to locals.
In an open letter, the alliance said the end of the existing greyhound lease next year would create a “crucial opportunity to reimagine this rare parcel of inner-city land for a better future”.
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The letter was signed by Moore, Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller, Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, Greens MPs Kobi Shetty, Abigail Boyd, Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst and Senator Mehreen Faruqi.
“Wentworth Park could become a vibrant precinct that benefits the broader community. It could support sport, recreation, green space, events and services that benefit thousands,” they said.
Moore said at the time the Pyrmont-Ultimo area was one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in the country, and noted it was earmarked for more intensive residential development.
“We are not going to solve the housing crisis without more housing, and we can’t expect people to live well in higher density without improved public amenity – including access to parkland and recreational space,” Moore said.
The NSW government is aiming to deliver 377,000 new homes by 2029 as agreed under the National Housing Accord, although it has conceded it may miss its targets. The deal was struck as part of the Albanese government’s push to deliver 1.2 million homes over the same period.
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