Half of the Moore Park golf course will be scrapped as 80,000 residents are expected to occupy the area by 2040

In a bombshell move, half of a premier golf course in Sydney will be seized by the state government and turned into the city’s “central park”.

The area of Moore Park Golf Course which would become land for public use.

In a bombshell move, half of a premier golf course in central Sydney will be seized by the state government and turned into city’s “central park”

In a press conference this morning, Premier Chris Minns confirmed that nine holes of the Moore Park Golf Course will be transformed.

This means that up to 20 hectares of the public course will be repurposed in a bid to support an estimated 80,000 residents living within two kilometres of the Moore Park area by 2040.

The Green Square urban renewal area is already home to 33,000 people.

The change will see more green space opened up to the general public, with grassroots sports and recreation being prioritised for the new “central park”.

Up until this point the 45 hectares of public land has been used as a golf course, where only paying golfers were given access.

A discussion paper for the new parklands is set to be released in 2024.

Addressing the media in a press conference this morning, the Premier said local residents – as well as others from metropolitan Sydney – have been asking for more parklands.

“As the New South Wales government issues more density, more apartment living, more units, we need to balance that with more open space,” he said.

“This will transform people’s experiences as they come into the world’s greatest city with more natural parkland, more recreation space. It’s great opportunity for the residents in this community to get out and have fun with their family and friends in this densely populated area.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore confirmed a nine hole course will still remain at Moore Park, with the driving range and clubhouse also staying put.

The Premier insisted he was not declaring war on golfers.

Speaking to golfers who may take issue with the decision, the Premier emphasised that the area is “one of the most densely populated parts of the entire country”.

“I just want to say there are a lot of golf courses in Sydney and we’re not taking over all of them,” he said.

“This community is expected to grow from 30,000 to 80,000 by 2040 in a five kilometre radius of where we’re standing …

“And it’s a recognition by the government that given we are making decisions about urban consolidation, more units, more apartments, there’s got to be more green space too, this has got to be a trade off and this is part of our vision for Sydney.”

The area of Moore Park Golf Course which would become land for public use.

He added that the government is “certainly not declaring war on golf”, but that this particular golf course has better use for apartment blocks.

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich expressed his support for the move, adding that he’s excited to see people enjoy public parkland rather than a closed off golf course.

“You know, closed off 18 hole golf courses are no longer fit for purpose in global cities with density continues to grow,” he said.

“This is a massive opportunity to open up new parkland and we’re gonna see golf buggies being replaced with picnic mats and kids playing, and that’s what that’s what we need in this part of the world.”

The change comes ahead of the operating agreement expiring in 2026, after which point the overhaul can begin.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The preferred space for use is currently between the western boundary and part of the section north of Dacey Avenue to provide access to Green Square, Zetland, and Waterloo residents.

Consultations with the City of Sydney, the Moore Park Golf Course operator, and the local community and stakeholders is set to begin, with a discussion paper set for release in early 2024 to guide those consultations.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully also echoed that more open space is needed as more people move into homes closer to the city.

“The communities of Redfern, Waterloo, Green Square and Zetland are crying out for more green space and this change will go a long way to satisfying their needs.”

Originally published as Half of the Moore Park golf course will be scrapped as 80,000 residents are expected to occupy the area by 2040