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Why Greyhound Racing Is Ending
After nearly a century of greyhound racing, Wentworth Park is getting a complete makeover as public parkland and community sports fields, alongside thousands of new homes in one of Sydney's most connected precincts.
Greyhound racing at Wentworth Park will cease when the current lease expires in September 2027. The NSW Government confirmed the 14-hectare site will stay in public ownership and be transformed into unified community parkland with sports fields.
Greyhound racing has been part of Wentworth Park since 1932. That's over now. But it's also the answer to years of local campaigning for more accessible open space in one of Sydney's densest neighbourhoods.
Image Credit: Mark Gerada, City of Sydney
What's Changing at Wentworth Park
Once the racing infrastructure comes down, the land transfers to the City of Sydney. They'll convert it into community sports fields and open parkland that can host festivals, events and everyday recreation.
Current estimates suggest around 20 additional sports fields are needed across the city area by 2031. This development helps meet that need.
For residents packed into apartments across Ultimo, Pyrmont and Glebe, it means more room to breathe. More space for kids to kick a ball. More spots for weekend picnics without fighting for a patch of grass.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore called the decision a huge win. In an Instagram post she referenced years of community feedback asking for better public access to the park. The 2022 City of Sydney engagement showed residents overwhelmingly wanted the site opened up for community use.
Housing in the Wentworth Park Precinct
The announcement covers more than just parkland. Rezoning around Wentworth Park will support up to 2,500 additional homes. Add the 4,800 already planned or approved nearby, including 2,000 at the old Fish Market site, and you're looking at 7,300 new homes across the precinct.
Mirvac's been named the preferred tenderer for the old Fish Market site. They're proposing 1,400 homes, including 580 student housing units. Construction could start early 2027, pending approvals.
Premier Chris Minns says the plan delivers housing where it's actually needed. Close to jobs, close to transport, with the community facilities to match.
Transport and Connectivity
This precinct's already well-connected, with improvements on the way.
There's a new ferry stop going in at Sydney Fish Market. The Wentworth Park light rail station is being upgraded. A continuous 15-kilometre foreshore walk will run from Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo. The Pyrmont Metro station opens in 2032.
Image Credit: Mark Gerada, City of Sydney
What Happens to Greyhound Racing Next
The Government's putting $10 million into the Greyhound Capital Grants Program to upgrade other tracks around the state. Racing Minister David Harris says they'll work with the industry to support the transition after Wentworth Park closes.
Current sporting and community users of the park will keep their access during the changeover.
Why This Matters for the Inner West
This announcement is the final piece of a bigger Blackwattle Bay transformation. The new Sydney Fish Markets are done. The ferry stop's coming. Light rail's being upgraded. Metro's on the way. Now the parkland's locked in.
If it all comes together as planned, Wentworth Park could become one of inner Sydney's best examples of housing growth done right. More homes, more green space, and better transport.
For a neighbourhood that's been squeezed for space, that's a pretty big deal.
Key Facts
What’s closing: Wentworth Park Greyhound Racing Track
Racing ends: When the current lease expires in September 2027
Site size: 14 hectares
What replaces it: Public parkland, community sports fields and event space
Land ownership: Remains in public hands
Housing impact: Up to 2,500 new homes around Wentworth Park; up to 7,300 across the wider precinct
Developer (Fish Market site): Mirvac (preferred tenderer)
Transport links: Light rail, ferry, future Pyrmont Metro station (2032)
