A beloved electric go-karting track atop Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter car park faces shutdown after the City of Sydney denies its extension request, threatening over 150 jobs and removing a key draw in the precinct.
The Track’s Rise and the Council’s Stance
Hyper Karting transformed unused parking bays on the fifth level of the multi-storey car park into a 410-metre electric racing circuit when it launched in 2024. The venue draws more than 500,000 visitors annually, boosting activity in an area typically quiet outside major events at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Council officials insist the space must revert to parking amid shrinking options nearby. NSW laws phase out large on-grass parking zones in Moore Park, with Lower Kippax closing by July and Hordern Pavilion by 2028. Planners note the track eliminates 298 spaces from the 2,003-space facility, deeming further commercial use unacceptable.
The initial two-year temporary approval expires this year. Operators sought another extension, but authorities rejected it to prioritize parking availability.
Operators Push Back with Data
Hyper Karting managing director Andrew Richardson calls the ruling baffling. “It’s heartbreaking for our 156 employees and the community – many are young families and repeat visitors because of how fun it is,” he states. “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.”
Richardson cites Transport for NSW figures showing the car park hits capacity rarely during 84 major events since Allianz Stadium’s 2022 reopening. A new 1,500-space underground facility at the stadium opens soon, easing demand further.
Community and Economic Impact
The track serves beyond thrill-seekers. Fourteen-year-old Jordan Savvas, scouted for Red Bull’s driver program, trains there from the Central Coast. “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 says.
Disability groups rely on it too. Lana Susak, director of Beyond Bounds Group, highlights NDIS participants’ use in social programs. One client with ADHD, PTSD, and mild intellectual disability logs nearly 1,000 sessions. “This gentleman will be incredibly upset at even the thought of losing Hyper Karting,” she notes. “It helps people participate and enjoy the best quality of life possible.”
University student Jason Ng, employed there two years, faces 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 says. “For an entertainment precinct, you’d think the council would want entertainment at the centre of it.”
Government Vision and Next Steps
The NSW government solicits proposals to revamp the 11-hectare Entertainment Quarter into a vibrant hub for hospitality, events, and culture, 3.5 km from the CBD. Premier Chris Minns observes the precinct falls short of potential outside big events.
Leaseholder Carsingha Investments, led by Gerry Harvey and John Singleton, informs the council the track revitalized underused space without noise complaints.
A council spokeswoman explains the denial upholds the site’s parking purpose, rejecting further temporary extensions as disorderly development. Hyper Karting seeks a formal review and plans to operate pending outcome, with possible appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
