The future of one of inner Sydney’s most expansive parks is up for discussion as work begins on a community vision for Wentworth Park in Ultimo.
The City of Sydney is asking residents how they use the park, what they like about it and how they see it being used in the future.
The north and south sections of the park are currently under the City of Sydney’s care. The NSW Government has recently committed to relocating the greyhound track through the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy – which is currently licenced to the Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association until 2027 – to create one large, unified park.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she looked forward to the day Wentworth Park was unified, “When pandemic restrictions were introduced, we were reminded just how valuable public parkland is.
“For the many people in Sydney who live in apartments, parks are their back yards, their space to exercise, play, walk the dog or unwind.
“It is the right time to consider exciting new opportunities for Wentworth Park, which sits in the middle of one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Australia.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to provide this significant parcel of Crown land to the community for an alternate use and we’re excited to transform the three segments into a major park.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to imagine the north and south sides of the park connected and tell us what they’d like to see and do there. From sports facilities, to playgrounds, to spaces for relaxation, we want to hear what the community wants at a unified Wentworth Park.”
Wentworth Park is on the traditional land of the Gadigal people. The park sits on what was the mouth of Blackwattle Creek. Originally a tidal watercourse, it was a source of fresh water and a place for fishing for Sydney’s Aboriginal people. Between the 1830s and 1860, noxious industries polluted these wetlands. After removal of these industries, the area was filled in and a park was created. It was first dedicated as a park in 1885 and has played a significant role in the sporting, recreational and cultural life of the Glebe, Ultimo and Pyrmont communities for many years.
Working towards a consolidated park is also an identified action in the City of Sydney’s Wentworth Park plan of management. When the City of Sydney is appointed as Crown Land Manager to care for the entire park, we will revise the plan of management to reflect the community’s vision for this open space. Visit city.sydney/consultations to
