In huge news for animal welfare advocates and affordable housing advocates alike, Wentworth Park – the harbour-adjacent pocket of green wedged between Ultimo, Glebe and the ever-evolving Blackwattle Bay – will be wrapping up its greyhound racing operation in 2027, unlocking room for 7,300 new homes. This week, the NSW Government announced a sweeping plan to reshape the 14-hectare precinct into a green, community-focused hub. And in wonderful news for Sydney’s racing greyhounds (following the findings from an inquiry which found major welfare issues endemic to the greyhound racing industry), from 2027, no doggos will be hitting the race-track in the area.
The plan, which will keep the site firmly in public hands, is part of the government’s push to tackle Sydney’s housing crisis by putting new homes where people actually want to live – close to jobs, public transport and places you’d happily spend a sunny afternoon. With Wentworth Park sitting just 1.5 kilometres from the CBD and directly linked to rail, light rail, ferries and the future Pyrmont Metro, the logic for this one is clear.
RELATED READ: Here’s an update on the station and housing development in Woollahra
A major part of this week’s announcement centres on the transformation of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex. When the greyhound racing lease ends in September 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished, the land transferred to the City of Sydney, and the whole area reimagined as a community-first destination: complete with new sports fields, leafy public parkland, and space for festivals and major events. Freeing up the sporting complex will also clear the way for new homes. Around 2,500 additional dwellings will be enabled through surrounding rezonings, adding to the 4,800 homes already approved or underway nearby, including the redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site. Mirvac has now been confirmed as the preferred tenderer for that project, which will bring 1,400 new homes (including 580 student beds) starting construction in early 2027, pending planning approval.
RELATED READ: The opening date for the new Sydney Fish Market has been confirmed
With a sparkling new ferry stop opening at the Fish Market, a continuous 15-kilometre boardwalk running all the way from Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo underway, and the Pyrmont Metro station set to open 2032, the future’s looking bright for this waterside suburb.
While the government is firm on the shift away from greyhound racing in the inner city, it has earmarked $10 million to help the industry transition to other tracks, with upgrades to ensure safety and standards across the state. It’s the end of an era for Wentworth Park’s racing history, but not the end of the sport itself.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the weight of the change. “We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people,” he said. “But cities change, and we have a responsibility to plan for the future… This is how we build a fairer and more balanced Sydney.”
Planning Minister Paul Scully called the plan a “future secured,” while Minister Steve Kamper labelled the announcement the “final piece of the Blackwattle Bay puzzle.” Together, the updates set the stage for a precinct that’s greener, better connected and genuinely community-focused.
Work is due to begin in 2027 – you can learn more over here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.