Residents to have a say in the futures of Haymarket and Wentworth Park

By TILEAH DOBSON

Wentworth Park and Haymarket are set to have their futures decided with the help of the community as the City of Sydney council put out the call for ideas.

As one of the most expansive parks in inner Sydney, the council is hoping that the community will offer a vision. They want to know what residents like the most about the park, how they use it now and in the future.

Currently the north and south sections of Wentworth Park are under the council’s care. However, the park may soon become one large, unified park after the NSW government announced their commitment to relocating the greyhound track.

This will be done through the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy, which the Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association currently holds the licence until 2027. The unification of the park is something Lord Mayor Clover Moore is eager to see.

“When pandemic restrictions were introduced, we were reminded just how valuable public parkland is,” Moore said.

“For the many people in Sydney who live in apartments, parks are their backyards, their space to exercise, play, walk the dog or unwind.”

“It is the right time to consider exciting new opportunities for Wentworth Park, which sits in the middle of one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Australia.”

However, others such as Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore say that residents shouldn’t have to wait so long for such large portions of the park to be available to the public.

“It’s obscene that the community needs to wait until 2027 to reclaim the greyhound racing track that takes up a huge section of Wentworth Park,” Ellsmore told City Hub.

“Wentworth Park is much loved and used. We need that now, not in 2027.”

Ellsmore agrees that community input for the future of Wentworth Park is essential.

“The City’s consultation is an important opportunity to re-enforce the community’s call to ensure the whole of Wentworth Park is protected for uses that current and future communities actually want and need.”

Whilst in Haymarket and Chinatown, residents are being invited to offer their ideas for Haymarket’s future. Wanting to ensure the creation of a shared vision, the council has said it will work closely with the community.

A forum will be held on Wednesday 24th August, with residents and businesses encouraged to attend and have their say in the open discussion on ideas, as well as hearing the City’s plan and support for businesses.

Moore acknowledged the hardships businesses and residents endured during the lockdowns and how affected by the pandemic they’ve been.

“The past two years have been incredibly challenging for all of us and especially for Chinatown, which was among the first areas in the city to be impacted by the pandemic,” she said.

“Businesses in Haymarket suffered greatly with venues capped or closed, people working from home and travel halted.”

“I encourage everyone in the community to come along to the forum or provide their feedback online to have their say on the future of this wonderful part of Sydney.”

Residents who wish to have their say in Haymarket and Wentworth Park’s futures before 5pm Monday 5th September can head to the City of Sydney’s website.