Harold Park development nears finish line

Final plans for the redevelopment of Sydney's Harold Park harness racing track are nearing completion, with the release of City of Sydney Councilâs latest proposal for the site.
The proposal for the 10-hectare site includes with 3.9 hectares devoted to open space for public use along with a residential development of 1,200 apartments. The siteâs tram sheds will be restored and converted for retail and community use.
However, the siteâs longtime owners, the NSW Harness Racing Club, want greater building density, Club Chief Executive John Dumesny stating that the Council had left the door open for modifications.
âWeâre not that far apart, itâs just that the amount of open space appears to be excessive when you consider that itâs sitting right on the edge of 14.3 hectares of open space that is relatively unused.
âIf you have a little bit more area available for building, you could make those buildings slightly bigger.�?
Residents group The Glebe Society said it was pleased with the amount of open space, but expressed fears the new cars and retail may have a negative impact on traffic and local businesses.
Home to harness racing in Sydney since 1902, the sale of the historic track for redevelopment paves the way for the NSW Harness Racing Club to move its headquarters to south-western Sydney and leaving the huge inner-city site open for development.
Earlier this year, 90% of members voted in favour of the sale subject to achieving a minimum price of $150 million for the site.