Overhaul of Wentworth Park to help deliver 7300 homes in Sydney’s inner west

After hosting greyhound racing for almost 100 years, Wentworth Park is set to be transformed into a green space, paving the way for thousands of new homes.

The NSW Government has unveiled plans to transform Wentworth Park into a public green space, which could enable up to 2500 new homes in the area.

Wentworth Park is located just 1.5 kilometers west of Sydney’s CBD and has long been a focal point for sport and recreation in Glebe. This housing boost is in addition to the 4,800 homes already planned in the area, including 2,000 on the former Sydney Fish Market site in Blackwattle Bay – where developer Mirvac has been named preferred tenderer.

A total of 7,300 new homes could be delivered in the Glebe, Blackwattle Bay and Pyrmont areas in the coming years.

Wentworth Park covers 14 hectares and has been hosting greyhound racing for almost a century. The state has confirmed that once the lease expires in 2027, the sports facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to build community sports fields.

Under the plan, the 3.3 hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex will be redeveloped into open space, allowing repurposing to support the construction of up to 2,500 homes in the immediate precinct.

The government said the change is part of its wider strategy to deliver more homes close to public transport, jobs and education, while expanding green space for residents.

For Wentworth Park, this includes a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, a revamped light rail station, Pyrmont Metro station, opening in 2032, and a 15km coastal promenade from 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 homes while providing up to 20 new sports fields for the community,” Mr Minns said.

“These are more homes, more playing fields and better public spaces, in addition to the infrastructure that makes neighborhoods function. These are homes and community facilities delivered together, not one without the other.”

An illustration of what Wentworth Park could look like. Photo: City of Sydney

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NSW Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully said collaboration with the City of Sydney will be critical to ensure the repurposing is done efficiently.

“Our city is changing and we have a responsibility to ensure people can live close to the jobs, education and transport they depend on,” Mr Scully said.

“We will continue to work closely with the City of Sydney to implement this rezoning in a timely manner, and we are prepared to intervene with a state-led rezoning if necessary.”

Urban Taskforce Australia welcomed the announcement, noting the additional homes would “help relieve pressure on the inner city”.

“It shows that the Minns government is listening to the public and understands the urgency of more and better housing supply to meet the needs of the community,” said CEO Tom Forrest.

“Rather than be nostalgic for the past glory of Wentworth Park, the NSW Government has recognized that cities are changing and that the site could be better used for the benefit of the community.”

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