Better streets and spaces

Shape the future of Wentworth Park

The future of one of inner Sydney’s most expansive parks is up for discussion as work begins on a community vision for the space in Ultimo.

(22 March 2022) Light rail with the Anzac Bridge in the background. (Photo by Abril Felman/City of Sydney)
Wentworth Park, Glebe

We’re asking our communities to share how they use the park, what they like about it and how they see it being used in the future.

This consultation will inform a draft concept plan for the site. The plan will be open later this year for further community feedback.

The space could be used for more community and recreation activities, and north and south reconnected to make it one big continuous park again as originally intended.

Young cricketers at Wentworth Park. Photo: Abril Felman/City of Sydney
Young cricketers at Wentworth Park. Photo: Abril Felman/City of Sydney

More space for communities

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 a large unified park.

Aerial map of Wentworth Park, 2022. Photo: Nearmap
Aerial map of Wentworth Park, 2022. Photo: Nearmap

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,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. ““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."

Working towards a consolidated park is an identified action in our Wentworth Park plan of management. When we are appointed as Crown Land Manager to care for the entire park, we’ll revise the plan of management to reflect the community’s vision for this open space.

“We welcome the state government’s commitment to return this significant parcel of land to the community for an alternate use and we’re excited to transform the three segments into a major park,” the Lord Mayor said.

From waterway to recreation space

Wentworth Park is on the traditional land of the Gadigal people. The park sits on what was the swampy 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 the swamp. After removal of these industries, the area was filled in and a park was created.

'Grade cricket at Wentworth Park' c1930s, Sam Hood : photographic collection, 1916-ca.1955. State Library of NSW.
'Grade cricket at Wentworth Park' c1930s, Sam Hood : photographic collection, 1916-ca.1955. State Library of NSW.

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.

Sharing your ideas for this space

Add your comments in our interactive survey with the online map.

You can also:

  • Attend an online info session on Wednesday 17 August, 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Register.

Talk to us in the park on: - Saturday 20 August, 8:30am to 11:30am - Thursday 25 August, 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

The consultation closes 5pm on Monday 5 September.

Published 9 August 2022, updated 17 August 2022