Feature Story
The NSW Government has released a draft 10-year vision for Callan Park - the first comprehensive plan in the beloved Inner West park's history. If you've ever walked the Bay Run or used it as your local green space, this affects you.
But this isn't happening without controversy. The plan comes after months of heated community debate over proposed changes to the historic site.
What's Being Proposed
The draft Plan of Management outlines priorities for transforming how the 415,000 people expected to live within 5km of the park by 2041 will use this space.
The key changes on the table:
More Open Space: Removing dilapidated buildings and unnecessary roads to create additional parkland - though some critics worry this risks erasing parts of the park's historic environment.
Better Access: A proposed one-way vehicle loop road system (similar to Centennial Park), consistent speed limits, and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Foreshore Changes: Removing public vehicle access along the Bay Run foreshore, with alternative parking areas planned elsewhere in the park.
New Opportunities: Exploring possibilities for cafes, events, and community activities. The plan specifically mentions Callan Park as a potential location for expanded filming use, including possibly a film studio.
Heritage Focus: Restoring heritage items and adapting buildings for new uses, though specific uses remain largely undefined.
Environmental Care: Restoring native bushland, protecting habitat and biodiversity, and connecting to surrounding blue-green corridors.
Community Opposition
This plan doesn't exist in a vacuum. Local community groups have strongly opposed some proposed changes, particularly plans to install synthetic turf. Earlier this year, the NSW Heritage Council raised objections to synthetic turf installation, citing heritage and environmental concerns.
There's also been controversy around proposals to demolish certain buildings within the park to create 1.6 hectares of new green space. While some support additional open areas, others argue this approach could compromise the park's historic character.
Artists impression of female convalescent cottages.
Courtesy of NSW Government.
Access and Movement Changes
The draft Access, Movement and Parking Strategy was created in response to community feedback prioritising how people access, move through, and park at Callan Park.
The strategy proposes establishing a one-way vehicular loop road, removing public vehicle access to the foreshore along the Bay Run, and developing alternative parking areas. It also includes plans for clear wayfinding signage and improved pedestrian and cycling connections to help people better navigate the park.
Why This Plan Exists
The former psychiatric hospital site needs a clear direction. Another 51,000 homes are forecast to be built within 5km of Callan Park by 2040, with a population increase of 215,000 people. The park already provides extensive green space where residents across the Inner West and Greater Sydney gather, relax, exercise and play. It’s home to the Bay Run and soon to host a new swim spot.
The plan also recognises Aboriginal people's ongoing connection to Callan Point and supports opportunities for connection to Country.
Community Feedback in Action
The draft plan incorporates feedback from more than 2,000 people, community groups and organisations who shared their vision for Callan Park's future during last year's consultation.
Greater Sydney Parklands CEO Joshua French said: "They told us that improving how people move around, access and park at the park is a priority."
What Happens Next
Both the draft Callan Park Plan of Management and the draft Access, Movement and Parking Strategy are open for public comment from 25 September to 29 October 2025.
Minister Paul Scully calls this "an exciting opportunity for the broader community to help us shape its future."
Given the community opposition to some proposed changes and the scale of transformation envisioned, your input during this consultation period could significantly influence what actually happens to one of the Inner West's most important green spaces.
