Sydneysiders are set to get a new park in the coming weeks, as the state government divides up the historic 18-hole Moore Park Golf Course to make way for more leisure space in one of the most densely populated parts of the city.
It comes amid controversy from the golfing community dating back to the announcement in 2023, along with concerns about the lack of planning for more green spaces as Sydney struggles to keep up with its growing population.
NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the first stage of the proposed 20-hectare recreation park was expected to open from July 13.
“Over the next couple of weeks, you will see some external fences being taken down in a section of the golf course. That will allow access to the public, including an off-leash dog area, some picnic benches and tables, along with food being sold at the nearby golf club,” Mr Scully said.
The new golf course will be rebuilt and available in the next few years. (ABC News: Timothy Ailwood)
He said more works were being planned, along with a new 12-hole golf course to be fully open in a few years’ time.
“A new community sporting facility, along with walking and running tracks are to be built, along with better connections to the nearby Entertainment Quarter and Centennial Park.”
Mr Scully said golf would continue on the site, with a temporary nine-hole course protected by a buffer zone from the new recreation park.
Urban planning for more inner Sydney suburbs
The minister said the carving up of the golf course built in 1913 was needed to provide a backyard for those living in nearby residential towers.
“Right now there is about 690,000 residents living within five kilometres of this site. By 2041 that is expected to reach 790,000 people,” Mr Scully said.
Paul Scully (pictured right) says 20 hectares of leisure space will eventually be available to the public. (ABC News: Timothy Ailwood)
Mr Scully defended a lack of green space planned for in nearby Waterloo, Zetland and Kensington.
“In fairness I was probably about 10 years old when some of those planning decisions were made,” he said.
“I cannot speak to the government decisions then, what I have to do is speak to the decisions made now. I am not passing the buck, but the reality is the population is growing.“
‘Significant’ golfing space taken away
In an opinion piece published on Wednesday, chief executive of Golf Australia James Sutherland said a significant amount of golf capacity had been taken away from the community.
“Moore Park Golf Course is one of the busiest public golf facilities in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the few places where Sydneysiders can learn, play and connect with the game within minutes of the CBD,” Mr Sutherland wrote.
“Golf Australia understands the pressures governments face. Cities need housing. Communities want more open parkland. Urban land is valuable.”
Golf Australia’s chief executive said a significant amount of golf capacity had been taken away from the community. (ABC News: Timothy Ailwood)
But Mr Sutherland said public golf courses were not empty green spaces waiting for a better use.
“They are some of the most active green spaces we have. From dawn till dusk, every day, all year round, people of all ages and backgrounds can be found walking the fairways of community golf courses.“
New 12-hole course in the works
Golf course architect Harley Kruse was contracted by the NSW government and Greater Sydney Parklands to rebuild Moore Park into a 12-hole course.
The NSW government has contracted the rebuild of a 12-hole golf course. (Supplied: NSW Government)
“I saw the opportunity rather than accepting it was going to be nine holes, what could it be,” Mr Kruse said.
Mr Kruse said there would be 12 interesting holes when the new course was finished.
“We will have better greens and bunkering. More fun and interesting golf holes and better turf.”
Mr Kruse said safety would also be a factor in the new design with major roads on either side of the course.
“It is what it is and I think when we deliver 12 really good golf holes this place will still be a very busy golf offering,” Mr Kruse said.
Future of the park
The future plan includes a recreation park, barbecues, pathways and lighting. (ABC News: Timothy Ailwood)
Mr Scully said existing arrangements were continuing with the golf club, with a new lease to be put out to tender in the future.
“The state government has allocated funding for the 20-hectare park for basics such as equipment, barbecues, pathways and lighting,” he said.
The minister said the park would evolve over time, with individual tenders available for some sections of the park.
“The government has committed $50m and the work will be delivered for that budget,” Mr Scully said.
