Moore Park entertainment quarter: Plans revealed for new community events, live music, markets
Plans have been revealed for a shake up in events at Sydney’s Moore Park entertainment precinct – but not everyone is on board with the plans. See why.
Central Sydney
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Plans have been revealed to use new sections of Sydney’s Moore Park entertainment quarter for events including food trucks and live music – in a move some locals fear could cause major noise disturbances and impact “mental health”.
Community markets, live music events, food and truck stalls and other temporary events could soon be able to be held within three new sections of Moore Park entertainment quarter as part of plans to draw thousands of extra visitors to the precinct each year.
The proposal would allow the range of temporary events not permitted under current planning restrictions, including exhibitions, community markets, music performances and cultural events.
The plans have been released by Carsingha Investments, headed up by directors including businessman John Singleton and Gerald Harvey.
The new entertainment offerings would be held within sections of the site currently occupied by the Sydney Roosters HQ building and adjacent basketball courts, operating as Hoops Park.
According to the proposal, the Sydney Roosters – which currently occupies the site under a lease agreement – is due to vacate the site by next year, at which time the site would be repurposed for event use.
The Hoops Park basketball courts could also be used to host temporary activities such as minigolf, bowling, and ice skating rinks.
If approved by local planning authorities, the entertainment offerings would draw maximum crowds of 8000 patrons in events permitted to be held from 7am to midnight, seven days a week.
Plans to the council stated the expanded use would revive “under-utilised” sections of the precinct and provide a diversity of events beyond traditional sport and recreational offerings.
But some nearby residents have hit out at the plans due to concerns over noise, late night activity, “screaming crowds”, and “amplified voices ruining our peace and quiet.“
Resident Maria Bradley said the proposal could “saturate” Moore Park with “drinking, noise, large crowds and associated anti-social problems.”
“This area is supposed to benefit the film, TV and video industry, not the sport or music industry who already have a number of indoor and outdoor venues to operate from,” she wrote in a submission to the plans.
Local resident George Newhouse raised similar concerns, arguing the area was “inappropriate for a residential area which immediately adjoins” the entertainment quarter.
Objections have raised concerns over the cumulative noise from the nearby Allianz Stadium following the NSW Government’s decision to lift the cap on the number of concerts that can be held at the stadium each year.
“When combined with the increased traffic and congestion, and noting that the cap on events at Allianz Stadium have also been raised materially, we have serious concerns about what this will all mean for potential hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, stress, mental health problems and memory impairment,” residents Frank and Amanda Heckes wrote.
Plans for Moore Park entertainment quarter stated noise mitigation measures would be in place including positioning away from the direction of nearby homes.
A staff member would also be allocated as a dedicated ‘noise manager’ to address potential disturbances.
“The proposal does not result in unreasonable environmental impacts to the surrounding natural and built environment and seeks to maintain the amenity of the surrounding area,” the plans stated.
“A large proportion of events within the space will finish by 10pm, therefore additional controls for amplified announcements and waste collection will not be required.”
The plans show some events would be able to be held throughout the year including food and drink events and exhibitions. Temporary event uses would operate on a for a maximum 52 days per day.
The proposal has been lodged with the City of Sydney Council and is currently under assessment.
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