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Bulldozers will raze the Wentworth Park greyhound track by the end of the year under a surprise expedited deal which paves the way for an urban renewal project roughly the size of Darling Harbour.
The Minns government will on Thursday announce that the NSW Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association has requested and been granted an early termination of its lease over the site, with the final greyhound meet in metropolitan Sydney to be held in October – one year earlier than planned.
Despite arguing for an extension of its lease beyond September 2027, greyhound authorities rapidly changed course over the past six months amid sustained criticism of animal cruelty, the financial sustainability of the industry and debate over whether vast tracts of land could be better used.
The demolition of the 3000-seat grandstand, track and other buildings will trigger a major transformation of the 14-hectare site, which adjoins the soon-to-be redeveloped former home of the Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay.
The two projects, along with a large new park underneath the eastern pylons of the Anzac Bridge, will form a new spine of green space and housing to rival the size of Darling Harbour.
Rezoning around Wentworth Park will add an estimated 2000 homes, the Mirvac-led redevelopment of the decaying fish market site will create 1400 apartments, and the closure of port facilities across the harbour at Glebe Island could deliver 8500 dwellings.
“This new green space will become the backyard for the area, expanding on the new public domain around the Sydney Fish Markets to support thousands of new homes,” said Planning Minister Paul Scully.
The early exit will allow accelerated planning and site works before Christmas, when the land is handed over to the City of Sydney council, which will redevelop it into parklands.
The City of Sydney council has previously said a revamped Wentworth Park would provide 125,000 square metres of open space, similar in size to Hyde Park.
The heritage clock tower and stewards’ building will remain under the council’s plan but all other structures will go.
The southern end of Wentworth Park will feature a wetland, playground, exercise equipment and picnic facilities. Sporting fields, multipurpose courts and walking tracks will be built on the central section occupied by the greyhound track.
Scully said the Million Dollar Chase, the final event to be held at the park, would provide “a fitting celebration of the venue’s 94-year racing legacy”. Racing was first held at the venue in 1932.
The industry will receive $10 million in compensation as part of the government’s previously announced decision to not extend the Wentworth Park lease beyond 2027.
A dozen greyhound tracks have closed or are slated for closure at regional centres across NSW, including Dapto, which held its final meet last year.
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