A new chapter is beginning for the green jewel of the Inner West, Callan Park with work underway to transform one of the park's long vacant buildings into a new club house for the Balmain & District Football Club.
This is an exciting milestone for the community which has been a decade in the making, delayed by unnecessary red tape. The Minns Labor Government is now working to remove this red tape through the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026.
The Bill, which is currently progressing through the NSW Parliament, will make great activations like this community sports facility easier by modernising and streamlining the current tangle of leasing, licensing and tender processes.
The new Balmain & District Football club house which is supported by a $1.8 million investment from the NSW Government and $1.2 million from Inner West Council will give new life to the old Repatriation Ward.
Works will include:
- a new internal fit-out to deliver meeting rooms, offices, a canteen, and accessible change rooms with showers and toilets
- important repair and clean-up work such as roof re-tiling, drainage, structural and façade repairs, deck works
- services upgrades including stormwater, sewer, water supply and fire hydrant
This is an important step in the Minns Labor Government's ongoing transformation of Callan Park which is returning parkland to the community and unlocking more potential for the re-activation of long forgotten buildings.
Other major projects already progressing in Callan Park include:
- Tidal Baths which are expected to open in summer 2026-27
- The removal of nine derelict buildings to return 1.6 hectares of open space to public use.
Callan Park is a popular destination for both the local community and visitors attracting more than 2.4 million visitors every year but to unlock its full potential Parliament needs to pass The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026.
This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities by activating and safeguarding parks like Callan Park where people can play, relax, exercise and gather with family and friends.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The Minns Labor Government is breathing new life into Callan Park, activating long forgotten buildings so the popular parkland can better serve the area's growing community for years to come.
"The decade it has taken to see work start on the new club house for Balmain & District Football Club is a clear example of red tape getting in the way of good community outcomes.
"The Parklands Bill which is before parliament will change that so we can deliver practical and sensible reforms needed to protect, improve and sustain our much-loved green space like Callan Park for future generations."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"Callan Park belongs to the community, and this project shows what's possible when we remove unnecessary barriers and focus on genuine community benefit.
"We've seen buildings like the old Repatriation Ward shut up and abandoned for far too long so it's great to see work beginning to give it new life.
"This is just the beginning of the Minns Labor Government's plan to unlock Callan Parks potential."
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:
"We're investing $1.2million to create a clubhouse that will be a valuable facility for what has grown to be the largest community football club in Australia.
"The Balmain and District Football Club has been in desperate need of a clubhouse and decent change and canteen facilities for decades. The transformation of this long-abandoned building will bring a smile to kids, parents, club volunteers and officials.
"With initiatives like the soon to be constructed Callan Park Tidal Baths and proposed all-weather sporting fields, Inner West Council is working hard to make Callan Park a place the whole community can enjoy to its fullest potential."
Balmain & District Football Club President Paul Avery said:
"Balmain & District Football Club has called Callan Park home for generations, and this project reflects everything our club and community have worked towards.
"After almost a decade of advocacy and partnership, we are truly excited to finally see works get underway on Building 497. The transformation of this heritage building into a modern community facility will support thousands of local players and families for years to come.
"Football continues to grow across the Inner West, particularly among girls and women, and we're proud of the role our club has played in that growth. This clubhouse will help ensure Callan Park remains a place where people can come together, stay active and support each other's wellbeing."
