Developer Sought to Transform Underperforming Moore Park

An entertainment precinct in Sydney’s east isn’t living up to expectations, the state says, as it calls on developers to help.

The Moore Park Entertainment Quarter, 4km south of the CBD, is “falling short of meeting its full potential” as one of Sydney’s key hubs for entertainment, sport and creative industries, the NSW Government said.

The Entertainment Quarter (EQ) is next to the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, 300m from the light rail and neighbours Disney Studios Australia, but has struggled to attract consistent patronage.

It is currently home to cinemas, markets, and retail and restaurant offerings, and surrounds an outdoor performance and event space called The Showring.

The NSW Government is asking developers to put forward proposals to develop a hub celebrating heritage, improving public accessibility and creating spaces for “substantial audiences” of 15,000 to 20,000 people. 

▲ As well as major stadiums, EQ is near major film studios and stages.

The state’s suggestions included a new indoor arena for the 10.69ha site, which currently has more than 50,000sq m of entertainment, leisure and retail space. 

It made it clear that it would not support proposals that include residential development. 

However, special purpose accommodation for students or employees of the core uses of the site—including film, television and other creative industries—might be considered, it said.

The “once-in-a-generation” opportunity would be anchored by a long-term lease, the Government said. 

It wants to “substantially enhance” the live entertainment, creative and sports offerings in the area to attract guests all year round, to “amplify its role as Sydney’s premier sports and entertainment precinct” but at no cost to the state.

Carsingha Investments, a company linked with Australian businessmen Gerry Harvey, John Singleton and Tony Shepherd, is the current leaseholder of the Entertainment Quarter under a 22-year lease.

▲ The Government wants help to turn the EQ into a world-class precinct.

Carsingha has its own plan to revitalise EQ, which it says would require up to $2 billion in private investment for economic and social infrastructure.

But it last year indicated it needed an extended lease option for the site to go ahead with its plans.

The successful respondent to the tender process would be granted a lease of up to 99 years.

To enable the open tender process, the NSW Government has secured an agreement from Carsingha Investments for a conditional exit from its existing lease, set to expire in 2046.

The expressions-of-interest phase is due to close on December 5, 2025.

The Entertainment Quarter was formerly the site of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales and its Sydney Showground, which was moved to Sydney Olympic Park ahead of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.