A significant new public green space is set to open in Sydney's inner east, with the first stage of the Moore Park South redevelopment welcoming visitors from 13 July 2026.
The project will transform part of the historic Moore Park Golf Course into a 20-hectare recreational park, providing additional open space for one of Australia's fastest-growing urban populations. The redevelopment forms part of the New South Wales Government's broader plan to improve access to parks and recreation facilities in densely populated inner-city suburbs.
The redevelopment has been one of Sydney's most debated urban planning projects in recent years. To make room for the new parkland, the long-standing 18-hole public golf course is being reconfigured. During construction, golfers will continue using a temporary nine-hole course before a permanent 12-hole course is completed over the next few years.
When the first section opens later this month, visitors will have access to open lawns, picnic tables, an off-leash dog park and improved pedestrian access. Future stages will add walking and running tracks, community sporting facilities and better links to nearby destinations including the Entertainment Quarter and Centennial Park.
NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the project is intended to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population living around suburbs such as Waterloo, Zetland, Kensington and Green Square. The government estimates that about 690,000 people currently live within five kilometres of Moore Park, with that number expected to increase to 790,000 by 2041, creating greater demand for accessible public open space.
The redevelopment has not been without controversy. Golfers and industry representatives argue the historic course is one of the busiest public golf facilities in the Southern Hemisphere and that reducing its size will limit access to the sport. Golf Australia has criticised the decision, saying it removes valuable golfing capacity in a city where public courses are already heavily used.
Despite the criticism, the NSW Government maintains the project strikes a balance between preserving golf and creating much-needed public parkland. The redevelopment includes a $50 million investment to deliver the new park and redesigned golf course, with full completion expected in 2028.
Supporters believe the expanded green space will provide long-term health, recreation and environmental benefits for inner Sydney residents, while opponents continue to argue that the city should have retained the full 18-hole course.
As construction continues, the first stage marks the beginning of one of Sydney's most significant urban park projects in decades, reshaping a landmark recreational site for future generations.
