The NSW Government’s record investment in Callan Park has received a major boost, with an additional $6.5 million committed to revitalising the inner west park, taking the total budget to $20.5 million.
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes broke ground on the waterfront revitalisation project, which will see more green open space, new picnic facilities and amenities, revamped sporting facilities, enhanced heritage connections and an upgrade to the Bay Run.
“Callan Park is a green oasis and a heritage gem overlooking the beautiful Iron Cove and these works, led by Greater Sydney Parklands, will ensure it can be enjoyed by many more people for generations to come,” Mr Stokes said.
“Intrusive buildings with no historic value have been removed to create the Waterfront Green, and we’re upgrading the heritage-listed 497 building, giving the Balmain & District Football Club a long-term home for their 3,000 registered players.
“This will also help us achieve our vision of a safe and separated CBD to Parramatta walk, completing the missing link of the Bay Run with a much wider and safer path for the 50,000 walkers, joggers and bike riders that use it every week.”
Member for Balmain Jamie Parker acknowledge the long-standing advocacy of the community and local sporting clubs and welcomed the additional government funding commitment to the historic public space.
“Callan Park is cherished for its history, heritage, and strong connection to Country for our First Nations people. The upgrade of the waterfront has been driven by the community and will ensure the best possible use of the space with a greater experience for all users of the park,” Mr Parker said.
Balmain & District Football Club president Paul Avery said a $1.8 million grant from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund was a major win.
“We’re the biggest community football club in NSW and this grant, alongside the extensive works at Callan Park, will allow generations of local juniors to play the world game at one of Sydney’s best public parks,” Mr Avery said.
Callan Park will receive $6.5 million in addition to the $14 million original investment to deliver further upgrades in the Park including:
- $1.7 million for a new publically accessible toilet block along the waterfront, a first for people with disability users of the Bay Run.
- $1.8 million for adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed Building 497, providing a long-term home for the Balmain & District Football Club.
- $3 million to build a separated walking and cycling path between King George Oval and Waterfront Green which is currently the missing link of the Bay Run.
- The provision of a temporary replacement carpark closely located to Waterfront Sports field by recycling a hardstand paving
Waterfront Green is expected to be complete by December 2023, while work on the Bay Run is expected to begin in the first half of next year.
To view the plans for the Callan Park waterfront revitalisation, visit: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-management/callan-park/waterfront-revitalisation