Following an extensive assessment of potential sites located in Western Sydney, today Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) is announcing that the existing Richmond Club site has been selected as the site for the new Sydney Metropolitan Racing Precinct (SMRP) to replace Wentworth Park, which will host its final race meeting on Friday, October 16.
With the assistance of Deloitte Australia, GRNSW assessed 12 potential sites across Western Sydney. The assessment determined that a rebuilt, multi-purpose facility at the existing Richmond Club site was the best option for the sport to pursue.
“The industry deserves a replacement for Wenty that it can be proud of. The comprehensive assessment by Deloitte has determined that a built Richmond site or expanded Richmond site are the best options for the sport to pursue,” GRNSW CEO Steve Griffin said.
The selection of the Richmond Club site involved assessment of all potential locations in terms of access to the site by industry participants, regulatory planning requirements and cost.
Key industry stakeholders, including the Greyhound Clubs NSW (GCNSW) and the NSW Greyhound Owner Trainers & Breeders Association (GBOTA), were consulted as part of the site assessment process.
The options being pursued by GRNSW will see a multi-purpose facility built either on the existing Richmond Club footprint or expanded footprint. The new facility will be multi-purpose to ensure that it is utilised by the community 24/7 and provides revenue streams for the sport from outside of racing.
The proposals being considered by GRNSW include the building of three new tracks, new club facilities (under a jointure venture arrangement), 24/7 attended boarding kennel and training facilities in addition to a veterinarian practice. The proposals also contemplate a joint venture for the construction of Motel Accommodation on site.
The proposed precinct design elements were based upon feedback provided to GRNSW by leading trainers involved in the Sydney Metropolitan Racing Precinct working group established earlier this year.
GRNSW is also considering moving industry administration to the precinct once constructed.
“We are so pleased to be able to announce these exciting plans to build a replacement for Wenty. Once built it will really be something that we can all be proud of and serve as our spiritual home for the decades to come,” Mr Griffin said.
"The new Sydney Metropolitan Racing Precinct, once constructed, will also ensure secure the industry's financial future with revenue coming into the sport from greater use of the facility. Additionally, unlike Wenty we own the site so can never be removed from it, which is a great position for the sport to be in.
“We will now commence work to explore joint venture partners for the new precinct’s club and motel. We hope to be in a position to announce which option will be pursued in early 2027 with construction commencing in late 2027.”
SMRP working Group member, trainer Ken Burnett said, "This is exactly what the industry has been looking for. It gives us hope for the future of the sport.
"We need to have a venue that participants can aspire to race at and this will be something which will be tremendous for the industry.
"But what will be equally as important with this announcement is that it will establish confidence for participants to be able to know that the sport has a future and a bright one so they can be confident to start breeding again with a shining light at the end of the tunnel."
President of the Richmond Club, and premier trainer, Minnie Finn said, "The Board and I are delighted that the Richmond site has been selected. We believe that it is the best decision for the sport and look forward to working with GRNSW to make the vision a reality."
