A popular electric go-karting track at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter is facing permanent closure after the City of Sydney rejected an application to extend its operating approval – a decision that could put more than 150 jobs at risk and strip the precinct of one of its busiest attractions.
Critics say the council has effectively taken the “entertainment out of the Entertainment Quarter” after ruling that the Hyper Karting track operating on the fifth level of the precinct’s multi-storey car park must be dismantled so that the space can return to its original purpose: vehicle parking.
Since opening in 2021, Hyper Karting has converted what were previously disused parking bays into a 410-metre electric racing circuit. Operators say the venue has attracted more than 500,000 visitors and helped revive a precinct that has historically stood quiet outside major events at nearby Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
However, the City of Sydney argues the space will soon be needed as parking supply around Moore Park declines.
Under NSW legislation, large sections of Moore Park’s “on-grass” parking areas – long used as overflow parking during major stadium events – are being phased out. Lower Kippax grass parking is scheduled to close by July, while the Hordern Pavilion grass parking area is expected to follow by 2028.
Council planners say the karting circuit removes 298 spaces from the Entertainment Quarter’s 2003-space car park.
Hyper Karting managing director Andrew Richardson said the decision was difficult to understand.
“It’s heartbreaking for our 156 employees and the community – many are young families and repeat visitors because of how fun it is,” he said.
“Destroying a major employer and community attraction to make way for car parking spaces that won’t be used makes no sense and runs contrary to the council’s own vision of wanting Sydney to be a city for people, not cars.”
The circuit was originally granted a five-year temporary approval when it opened, with the understanding that the space could eventually revert to parking as on-grass parking areas closed. With that approval expiring this year, Hyper Karting applied for a further two-year extension.
The council refused, saying the “exclusive use of on-site car parking spaces for a commercial activity” would have an “unacceptable” impact on parking availability in the precinct.
Richardson pointed to Transport for NSW data showing that since Allianz Stadium reopened in 2022, the Entertainment Quarter car park has reached full capacity only a handful of times across 84 major sporting events and concerts.
He also noted the construction of a 1500-space underground car park at Allianz Stadium, expected to open later this year.
For some visitors, the circuit represents much more than a weekend thrill.
Fourteen-year-old Jordan Savvas, recently scouted for the Red Bull driver development program, travels from the Central Coast to train on the track.
“It’s the first track I ever raced on, and it’s been a great place to learn my skills – there’s nothing else like this in Sydney,” he said.
The track is also used by disability groups. Lana Susak, director of Beyond Bounds Group, said NDIS participants attend as part of social programs. One client living with ADHD, PTSD and a mild intellectual disability has completed nearly 1000 sessions.
“This gentleman will be incredibly upset at even the thought of losing Hyper Karting,” she said.
“It helps people participate and enjoy the best quality of life possible.”
The dispute comes as the NSW government seeks proposals to transform the 11-hectare Entertainment Quarter precinct into a year-round destination for hospitality, events and culture.
Premier Chris Minns has said the precinct, 3.5 kilometres from the CBD, has struggled to maintain activity outside major sporting events and has “fallen far short of meeting its full potential”.
Critics argue that removing one of its popular attractions runs counter to that ambition.
The Entertainment Quarter’s leaseholder, Carsingha Investments – led by businessmen Gerry Harvey and John Singleton – told the council that the track had turned an underused area into a vibrant destination without generating a single noise complaint.
For employees such as university student Jason Ng, who has worked at the venue for two years, the council’s decision has created uncertainty.
“There aren’t other facilities on this scale close to the city, and it would be hard to find another job like it in Sydney,” he said. “For an entertainment precinct, you’d think the council would want entertainment at the centre of it.”
A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the refusal reflected the car park’s intended purpose and that “another extension to the temporary use of the parking facility was not considered orderly development”.
Hyper Karting has applied for a formal review of the decision and will continue operating while the process is considered. Richardson has not ruled out then appealing the council’s refusal in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
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David Barwell is an urban affairs reporter for The Sydney Morning HeraldConnect via email.