Callan Park's crumbling buildings slated for demolition
The NSW government will spend $4.8 million knocking down nine condemned buildings at the heart of the park over the next two years, freeing up 1.6 hectares of land for recreation.
The government is eager to bulldoze the dilapidated structures, which it has labelled an 'eyesore' as well as safety hazards and targets for vandals.
'Callan Park is a jewel in the crown of the inner west, but these nine buildings have been left to deteriorate beyond repair, becoming a stain on the park's reputation,' Planning Minister Paul Scully said.
But while the planned demolition is overwhelmingly supported by the community, it comes as a parliamentary committee in June put forward controversial recommendations to change laws restricting commercial use of the park.
Under the Callan Park Act, venues such as cafes and restaurants cannot operate unless they are run by not-for-profits.
Balmain Greens MP Kobi Shetty said any moves to wind back the Act's protections were 'of grave concern'.
'Time after time our community has had to fend off attempts to sell Callan Park to developers and other private interests,' she said.
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Sydney Morning Herald
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Callan Park's crumbling buildings slated for demolition
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The Age
21 hours ago
- The Age
Callan Park's crumbling buildings slated for demolition
Crumbling buildings at Callan Park in Sydney's inner west will be demolished to make way for more green space, amid community concerns about a proposed legal tweak that would allow commercial activities on the parklands. The NSW government will spend $4.8 million knocking down nine condemned buildings at the heart of the park over the next two years, freeing up 1.6 hectares of land for recreation. The government is eager to bulldoze the dilapidated structures, which it has labelled an 'eyesore' as well as safety hazards and targets for vandals. 'Callan Park is a jewel in the crown of the inner west, but these nine buildings have been left to deteriorate beyond repair, becoming a stain on the park's reputation,' Planning Minister Paul Scully said. But while the planned demolition is overwhelmingly supported by the community, it comes as a parliamentary committee in June put forward controversial recommendations to change laws restricting commercial use of the park. Under the Callan Park Act, venues such as cafes and restaurants cannot operate unless they are run by not-for-profits. Balmain Greens MP Kobi Shetty said any moves to wind back the Act's protections were 'of grave concern'. 'Time after time our community has had to fend off attempts to sell Callan Park to developers and other private interests,' she said.
