The fate of Wentworth Park remains uncertain as discussions continue about its future. Under the Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal, the park is a crucial public space that will support increased housing and commercial activity. However, the NSW Government’s recent reconsideration of greyhound racing at the site beyond 2027 has raised concerns for the City of Sydney Council and local residents.
Wentworth Park’s Role in the Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal
The Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal is part of the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy (PPPS), a 20-year plan designed to deliver 4,100 new homes, 23,000 jobs, and public space improvements. A key element of this plan was the return of Wentworth Park to the community after the greyhound racing lease expires in 2027.
Sites affected by planning changes highlighted in grey, yellow and red.
City of Sydney’s Position
According to City of Sydney Council minutes from 17 February 2025, the Council opposes extending greyhound racing at Wentworth Park. It pointed out that the former NSW Government had already committed to returning the park to the public. A 2022 public consultation also showed strong community support for removing the greyhound track and grandstand to create a larger, accessible green space.
The Council also highlighted that increasing housing density under the Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal will require more public spaces. If greyhound racing remains, the government will need to find an alternative solution. The Council has urged the NSW Government to honour its commitment and not extend the greyhound lease beyond 2027.
NSW Government’s Reconsideration of Greyhound Racing
Despite the previous commitment, the NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, and Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, said in February 2024 that the government is now reconsidering the future of greyhound racing at Wentworth Park.
Greyhound Racing NSW and the Greyhound Breeders, Owners, and Trainers Association have submitted proposals to extend the lease beyond 2027. Their arguments focus on the economic benefits of greyhound racing, its cultural significance, and the lack of an alternative site.
The government has not yet made a final decision, but this uncertainty complicates the Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal.
Potential Impact on Housing and Infrastructure
1. Reduced Public Open Space
The planned increase in housing density assumes that Wentworth Park will become a public park. If greyhound racing continues, the City of Sydney and the NSW Government must find alternative sites for green space. This search could delay the redevelopment timeline.
2. Changes to Housing Plans
The City of Sydney has warned that keeping greyhound racing at Wentworth Park may force changes to the Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal. This could result in fewer new homes or the relocation of residential developments to other Pyrmont and Ultimo sites.
3. Strain on Transport and Infrastructure
The addition of 8,000 new residents and 23,000 new jobs will already increase pressure on transport and infrastructure. Without Wentworth Park as a public park, residents will have limited recreational space, leading to overcrowding in existing parks.
Community and Council Advocacy
To address these concerns, the City of Sydney has taken several steps. The Lord Mayor has written to NSW Ministers, urging them to uphold the 2027 commitment to return the land to the public. The Council is also preparing a detailed concept plan for the park and will present it to the NSW Government later this year.
Residents and community groups strongly oppose greyhound racing at the site. Many cite animal welfare concerns and the need for green space.
Next Steps
The NSW Government is expected to make a final decision on greyhound racing at Wentworth Park by late 2025 or early 2026. In the meantime, the City of Sydney will continue advocating for public parkland, while Greyhound Racing NSW pushes for a lease extension.
The future of Wentworth Park remains unclear. Its fate will have a major impact on the Ultimo Pyrmont Planning Proposal. While the City of Sydney supports its transformation into a public park, the NSW Government’s reconsideration of greyhound racing creates uncertainty.
As discussions continue, the community, developers, and planners await a final decision, which will shape the future of Pyrmont and Ultimo for years to come.
