Moore Park is preparing for a transformation that could reshape how Sydney’s inner east lives, moves and unwinds. A major government-backed redevelopment will see half of the historic golf course converted into public parkland, while the neighbouring Entertainment Quarter is lined up for a large-scale overhaul that includes a proposed 20,000-seat indoor arena. Together, the changes are set to turn Moore Park into a precinct where green space, sport and live events intersect — all within walking distance of some of the city’s most densely populated suburbs.
The centrepiece of the transformation is the Moore Park South Establishment Plan, which will convert around 20 hectares of the existing 18-hole golf course into public parkland. According to the plan, the new space will feature walking and cycling trails, open lawns, picnic areas and landscaped gardens, creating much-needed outdoor space for nearby communities including Zetland, Waterloo, Redfern and Green Square. The remaining golf facilities will be retained, with a nine-hole course and expanded driving range continuing to operate alongside the new park.
The NSW Government has committed $50 million to deliver the project, following earlier funding for design and consultation. Construction is expected to begin after the current golf lease expires in mid-2026, with staged openings from late 2026 and full completion anticipated by the end of 2028.
Community consultation has played a key role in shaping the proposal, with residents encouraged to provide feedback on how the park should function and what facilities it should include.
Just north of the golf course, the Entertainment Quarter is also set for a major reinvention. The 11-hectare precinct, currently leased by a private consortium, is the subject of an open tender process as the state government looks for a development partner to help reposition the site as a cultural and entertainment hub. Central to the proposal is a 15,000 to 20,000-seat indoor arena, which the government says would fill a long-standing gap in Sydney’s live performance infrastructure.
Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham has described the proposed venue as a way to bridge the space between mid-sized theatres and large stadiums, helping attract major touring acts and boosting the city’s night-time economy. Additional elements under consideration include public plazas, hospitality venues and creative industry spaces, with an emphasis on keeping the precinct accessible and largely public.
Urban planners and community advocates say the parallel redevelopments present an opportunity to better connect Moore Park’s existing landmarks, including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, with new green space and entertainment facilities. Improved pathways and shared public areas are expected to make the precinct easier to navigate while encouraging people to spend more time in the area beyond major event days.
By the end of the decade, Moore Park is expected to function as more than just a sports and events zone. With new parklands opening during the day and expanded entertainment options drawing crowds at night, the precinct is being positioned as a place for everyday recreation as well as headline events. Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest has previously said the redevelopment could help “stitch together” Sydney’s cultural and entertainment assets, creating one of the city’s most vibrant and connected precincts.
Published 26-Dec-2025
