Moore Park redesign could include night golf, wildlife areas, meadows

A new vision for the soon to be seized Moore Park golf course, with the public now asked to comment on what it would like to happen. Check out the plans.

A vision for Moore Park golf course has been unveiled with “meadows for dwelling”, entertainment and night-time golf and nocturnal areas for wildlife among the ideas being floated for the site.

The proposal are contained in a discussion paper on the plans for the 45-hectare course, with the Minns government to seek feedback from the public as it forges ahead with its plans to seize half the site for a new “central park” in Sydney.

And while the focus is on what facilities the new 20-hectare park should have, the paper also reveals the remaining portion of the golf course will also be overhauled to “activate the space for longer periods of time” and attract more women and children.

Despite strong opposition to the plans from the golfing sector, the government argues more park land is needed for the 790,000 residents who will live in the area by 2041, with an additional 100,000 residents to move into new apartments and terraces within 5km of the existing Centennial Parklands.

A proposal to convert part of Moore Park golf club into a new park includes "meadows" to dwell, "night golf" and off-limits nocturnal areas for wildlife. Picture: Supplied

The Parklands lacked recreational offerings such as youth facilities, fitness equipment, while there was also a need for more public amenities, picnic shelters and BBQs in the precinct, the paper said.

In asking the public for its ideas, the paper floated concepts such as “native grass meadows/places to dwell”, “nature play” for children and “dark, night-time refuge areas” for local nocturnal wildlife.

Moore Park Golf Course with the SFS and SCG in the background. Picture: Rohan Kelly

For the remaining golf course portion of the site, a nine-hole golf course, driving range and clubhouse would remain, but the site would be redeveloped to appeal to more people.

It revealed short form golf, hospitality, “complementary entertainment” and night golf were among the options being considered.

Acknowledging golf was one of the “most played sports in Australia”, the paper referred to the sector’s own research which found young people, women, and families with children were more likely to engage in social and alternative format golf, “such as mini golf”.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the park and re-imagined golf course would improve the quality of life for people living in “the city’s most densely populated suburbs” of Waterloo, Zetland, Redfern and Green Square.

“Parks are places for people to meet, relax, exercise and connect with Country,” he said.

“The large majority of these people live in higher density housing forms such as apartments and terraces, with limited access to private open space.

“We understand the importance of providing equitable access to green space for our inner-city communities as Sydney continues to grow – no one should miss out on the benefits of a backyard.”

People will have until April 10 to submit their ideas to the government before a report is released later this year.

The final plans will be implemented after July 2026.

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Originally published as Moore Park redesign could include night golf, wildlife areas, meadows