“By allowing commercialisation by undermining the Callan Park Act for a cafe is a Trojan horse for so much … It’s a very slippery slope.
The state government is seeking to increase green space in the park, but locals are concerned by a concurrent commercialisation plan. Credit: Janie Barrett
“We can have some of the derelict buildings removed, and the important ones restored for community and not-for-profit use, without having to commercialise the park.”
Callan Park has long been a contested parcel of land. In 2021, former planning minister Rob Stokes similarly wanted to amend the act to allow commercial activities to take place.
Pushes for commercialisation have consistently been met with staunch opposition from Friends of Callan Park’s long-serving president Hall Greenland, a former NSW Greens convener and former local councillor.
“We oppose any tinkering with the Act. Those changes aren’t in the public interest,” he said.
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“Every blade of it is valuable and should be available for public access. If anyone fences it off or reserves it for private or commercial use, it’s a loss to the public and a loss we can’t afford.”
Some of the buildings to be demolished are wards from the now defunct Callan Park Hospital, which have been severely fire damaged by vandalism. Demolition is slated to begin in mid-2026 and expected to be completed by early 2027.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne welcomed the state government’s move to knock the buildings down.
“Callan Park is a special place for our community. But the feedback we get consistently from local people is they want to see it used more, not closed off,” he said.
Design work is also underway for a swim site at Callan Park, including an accessible pathway to integrate the tidal baths with existing parkland.
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