NSW Government Eyes $5B Rosehill Racecourse Redevelopment for 25,000-Home Mini-City Amid Controversy
March 13, 2025
McGauran claims the land is valued at $5 billion based on consultancy advice, while deputy chair Tim Hale argues it is worth closer to $1.6 billion, indicating a lengthy payback period for the proposed sale.
Premier Chris Minns highlighted the potential for housing development between Parramatta and Sydney's CBD but faced scrutiny regarding the financial implications for taxpayers, particularly concerning infrastructure costs.
However, notable ATC members, including trainers Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller, have expressed opposition to the sale, reflecting a divide within the organization.
Initially, the plan was to sell the land to private developers while the government would build a new metro station, estimated to cost between $1.5 billion and $2.2 billion, contingent upon the redevelopment.
The New South Wales Labor government is exploring a $5 billion acquisition of Rosehill Racecourse to create a new 'mini-city' featuring 25,000 homes, moving away from earlier plans that involved the Australian Turf Club (ATC) as developers.
Minns previously described the Rosehill redevelopment as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, but emphasized that the success of the new Metro West train station hinges on cooperation from the ATC.
The proceeds from the sale are intended to fund upgrades at other racecourses, including Royal Randwick and Warwick Farm, while the ATC plans to replace Rosehill Gardens with a new high-quality racecourse.
A parliamentary inquiry has raised questions about the financial benefits of the initial proposal and the feasibility of replacing the racetrack, with alternative sites like Sydney Olympic Park facing environmental concerns.
The ATC has scheduled a vote for its members on April 3, 2025, to decide on the sale of the racecourse, which is vital for the government's housing development strategy.
ATC chairman Peter McGauran stressed the significance of the proposal for the club's financial security, urging members to support the sale at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting.
If the deal does not go through, it could severely hinder the government's efforts to tackle Sydney's housing supply crisis, which is already strained by rising costs and concerns about youth exodus.
Documents suggest that developing the area could significantly increase demand for drinking water and wastewater management, necessitating further investments.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

The Sydney Morning Herald • Mar 12, 2025
Revealed: The new $5b plan for Rosehill mini city
The Sydney Morning Herald • Mar 13, 2025
Multibillion-dollar hitch casts doubt over the ‘mini-city’ of 25,000 homes