Wentworth Park Greyhound Track To Be Replaced By 7,300 New Homes

The Minns Labor Government has announced a new, comprehensive plan for Wentworth Park and the surrounding area of Ultimo-Pyrmont that combines unlocking up to 7300 new homes around the site and creating multipurpose community facilities.

The government’s new plan includes a total build of 7,300 new houses in and around the whole area with 2,500 new houses around Wentworth Park itself and 1,400 near the old Sydney Fish Market ground. 580 of these will be student housing exclusively with construction set to begin in early 2027.

All these will be an addition to the 4,800 homes already planned or approved in the area and 2,000 homes planned on the old Sydney Fish Market and neighbouring sites.

NSW Premier Chris Minns explained that creating new housing in well-serviced areas, instead of pushing growth to places without transport and infrastructure to support it, is how to build a fairer and more balanced Sydney.

“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.” 

“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,” the Premier said.

Greyhound racing track swapped for community sports fields

Since 1932, Wentworth Park has functioned as a greyhound racing track, however as part of this new plan the sport will now be moved to other tracks.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said that the current NSW Government will continue 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.

The government has therefore set aside $10 million to allocate the transition as part of their new plan.

“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,” the minister said.

It was only last month that 25 organisations signed an open letter urging the Minns Government to end greyhound racing at Wentworth Park and return the land to the local community to meet their demand for more greener and public spaces.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore explained that she has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing and to return Wentworth Park to the community.

“At a time when Sydney desperately needs more housing and open space to support residents living in high densities, the NSW Government should ban greyhound racing and return this important parkland at Wentworth Park to the community,” she said at the time.

Now, when the current lease by NSW Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association ends in September 2027, the park will be converted into community sports fields.

Premier Minns added that approximately 20 new sport fields will be added, as they are required by 2031 in order to meet the needs of the sporting community.

Additionally, the park will now also be available to host festivals and community events. 

“Not only are we unlocking thousands of homes and much needed community sporting facilities, we are laying the groundwork and ensuring we have the community infrastructure to deliver a vibrant precinct for everyone,” said Minister for Lands and Property and Sport Steve Kamper.