Paul Scully Opens First Parts Of Moore Park South For Inner Sydney Residents

The first parts of the new Moore Park South public open space have opened to the community, giving inner Sydney residents early access to a 20-hectare parkland transformation in one of the country's densest urban areas.

A 13 July NSW Government release says residents can now use early features including an off-leash dog area, picnic tables and green open space, with access from Dacey Avenue and South Dowling Street and Reschs Bridge access expected before the end of July. The release says the first opening follows two weeks of work to remove perimeter fencing and establish the first amenities.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully described Moore Park South as entering a new era as the backyard for thousands of people in one of the country's most densely populated areas. The release says further work will deliver community sporting facilities, walking, running and cycling paths, trails beside a 12-hole golf course, a nature playground, a full-size community sports field, multi-purpose sports courts, outdoor fitness equipment, toilets, seating, picnic spaces, food kiosks, lighting, an expanded 90-bay driving range, mini golf, putting greens and chipping greens.

Greater Sydney Parklands' project page gives the longer context. It says 690,000 people live within five kilometres of Moore Park South, rising to 790,000 by 2041. It says the final establishment plan was published in May 2026 after more than two years of consultation, and that early access works started on 1 July to prepare parts of the new parkland to open from mid-July.

For residents around Zetland, Waterloo, Surry Hills, Redfern, Kensington and Moore Park, the practical value is clear. Apartment-heavy neighbourhoods need shared outdoor space that is close enough to use before work, after school or on a short weekend visit. A major park across town is useful for a day trip, but everyday liveability depends on spaces that can absorb a dog walk, a lunch break, a children's run or a casual game without turning into a planned expedition.

The decision also shows how Sydney's housing debate is tied to open space. The state is asking established suburbs to accept more homes near transport and services. That argument is stronger when parkland, sports fields, cycling links and informal recreation space arrive with growth rather than after complaints build. Moore Park South does not solve the open-space deficit across inner Sydney, but it is a visible case of land being converted into public access while density continues around it.

There will still be disruption and design questions as the full park and golf offer is delivered. The government release says the largest upgrades are expected to be completed by 2028 and the new golf offer by 2027. During that period, the community will need clear information about access points, construction boundaries, dog areas, temporary paths, night lighting, noise and how the golf precinct and general parkland interact safely.

The first-stage opening is therefore useful because it turns a long-term establishment plan into a place people can start using. The next measure is whether the promised facilities arrive in a sequence that keeps public access improving rather than making the park feel unfinished for years. If Moore Park South works, it will be a practical example of public space catching up with the density Sydney has already built around it.