In early December the Minns government announced their intentions to terminate the lease of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex and develop 7,300 homes just 1.5k from Sydney’s bustling CBD.

The lease termination will result in the demolition of Wentworth Park’s greyhound racing track to make way for community sporting facilities, including Cricket, AFL, Soccer and other sports fields. This open space, which will incorporate park land and children’s play areas, will be surrounded by 2,200 homes and close to transport hubs. As well as the existing light rail, the newly developed and soon-to-be opened Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay brings with it a new ferry stop, which will allow a fast commute into the city. Further, the State Government’s Metro project will see a station opening in nearby Pyrmont by 2032 on a line stretching from Sydney’s Hunter Street to Westmead, and will include stops in Parramatta, Olympic Park and Five Dock.

Premier Chris Minns said “We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change… But cities change and we have a responsibility to plan for the future.” He continued, “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.”

The development plan will take pressure off the housing shortages in in-demand inner city suburbs, such as Pyrmont, Ultimo and Glebe without over-developing and sacrificing open spaces. The NSW Minister for Lands, Property and Sport Steve Kemper said ‘today’s announcement builds on our strategic vision for the area. We have completed the new Sydney Fish Markets, we are delivering a new ferry stop, we are delivering an upgraded light rail station, we are delivering the Metro West and today we are delivering the final piece of the Blackwattle Bay puzzle.”  

Although the tender for the development contract is yet to be confirmed, the State Government is eyeing Mirvac as their preferred developer for at least the site of the old Fish Markets. This site alone would see the construction of 1,400 homes, including 580 student housing units (subject to approval by councils.) Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, has championed the push to demolish the greyhound track, and welcomes the State Government’s plans to develop the area for community needs.