The Minns Labor Government is returning 1.6 hectares of parkland to the people of the Inner West thanks to a $4.8 million investment in the 2025-26 Budget.
For years, central areas of Callan Park have been neglected and locked up by condemned buildings which are not only an eyesore but a safety hazard and a target for vandals.
This Minns Labor Government investment will enable the demolition of nine derelict buildings over two years.
This work is crucial not only to remove unsafe buildings but to deliver more green and open space for the park's 2.4 million yearly visitors and the area's growing population.
By 2041 the five kilometres around Callan Park is expected to be home to 415,000 people.
Unlocking more open space for people to play, relax and gather is a key step as the area welcomes more housing thanks to the Minns Government's Transport Oriented Development Program and the Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy, which are expected to deliver higher density in well located areas.
Home to the popular Bay Run, Callan Park is a special place not just for locals but for visitors from all over Sydney and New South Wales, and an important link in Sydney's broader network of parklands and waterways.
This investment is part of the ongoing transformation of Callan Park into one of Sydney's significant urban parklands, providing quality open space and recreation areas for locals and people from across Sydney and New South Wales.
The Minns Labor Government is building better communities for NSW by delivering the green and open space needed to support growing populations.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The Minns Labor Government is putting an end to the neglect of Callan Park and investing to restore more quality green space for the growing Inner West community.
"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.
"By demolishing these buildings, we will return 1.6 hectares of green open space to the community which is the equivalent of 4000 large picnic blankets or two football fields.
"We've unlocked housing density in the streets and suburbs surrounding Callan Park and this funding will make sure future residents have more quality green space in their neighbourhood."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"Callan Park is beloved by the Inner West community as a space to gather with family and friends, relax, exercise, and connect with nature and this announcement will further expand its capacity to support our growing community.
"The Minns Labor government are reclaiming areas of Callan Park that have been neglected for years to again make it an inviting place for today and into the future while celebrating and respecting its past.
"I look forward to seeing green space replace the eyesore of these derelict buildings and returning use back to the community."
