Transforming Wentworth Park: NSW Labor's Plan for Community Sporting Grounds and Housing Developments
The NSW Labor government has announced plans to transform Wentworth Park, the current home of greyhound racing in Sydney, into community sporting grounds and a park. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about animal welfare in the racing industry. The premier, Chris Minns, revealed that the 14-hectare area, which includes the greyhound racetrack, will be repurposed to accommodate up to 7,300 new homes and new community open spaces.
The government's upcoming release of the Drake report, based on the 2024 inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW, is expected to highlight significant issues with animal welfare practices in the industry. This report is likely to reignite calls for the ban of dog racing, a move that has already been implemented in several other countries. Greyhound Racing NSW, which currently holds a lease on the site until 2027, had requested a 20-year extension for Wentworth Park.
The decision to convert Wentworth Park into community space is a significant setback for the greyhound racing industry, potentially leading to its relocation to regional areas in NSW. The move follows previous attempts to ban greyhound racing in 2016 by former Premier Mike Baird, which was met with strong opposition from industry stakeholders and the public. Premier Minns emphasized the positive impact of the redevelopment on the broader community, highlighting the creation of new homes, playing fields, and public spaces.
The transformation of the 3.3-hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex precinct will involve the conversion of the area into community sporting fields and green spaces, enabling the rezoning of the surrounding region to support additional housing developments. The City of Sydney will lead the detailed planning process for Wentworth Park, building on existing community consultations. The proposed housing component of the development is expected to be situated on the eastern side of the park and the old fish markets site.
The new Sydney fish market is scheduled to open in January 2026, with Mirvac identified as the preferred tenderer for the old Sydney Fish Market site. Construction of 1,400 homes, including student housing units, is set to commence by early 2027. The Wentworth Park precinct will be conveniently located near various transport links, including a new ferry stop, an upgraded light rail station, and the Pyrmont Metro station. Once the current greyhound lease expires in 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished to make way for community sports fields.
The NSW government plans to collaborate with the greyhound industry to facilitate the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks. A $10 million allocation to the Greyhound capital grants program will support upgrades to tracks, ensuring the industry maintains high standards of animal welfare and integrity. Racing Minister David Harris emphasized the government's commitment to supporting a competitive and sustainable greyhound racing industry that aligns with community expectations.
In conclusion, the redevelopment of Wentworth Park represents a significant shift in the use of the space, prioritizing community sporting facilities and housing developments over greyhound racing. The decision reflects a broader focus on animal welfare concerns in the racing industry and aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable environment for the community.