A new $3.8 million swimming spot is on the way for the Bay Run with a development application lodged and the NSW Government and Inner West Council finalising a funding agreement and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU outlines how both levels of government will work together to develop the Callan Park Tidal Baths which are expected to make a splash, at the Iron Cove foreshore.
The Minns Labor Government has committed $2 million to help deliver the project, which was first identified in the Parramatta River Masterplan, prepared by the Parramatta River Catchment Group in 2018.
The new swim spot set to offer a spot for a dip along the Bay Run will also benefit users of nearby parks and sports fields such as Leichhardt Oval and King George Park. This location will make sure the investment can be enjoyed by the Inner West community and beyond, including swimmers, pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and families.
Designs for the tidal baths include an accessible pathway and ramp, a generous fixed jetty, pontoon and shark net.
Following approval construction is expected to take six months, allowing the Baths to be open for the summer in 2026.
Greater Sydney Parklands is preparing a Callan Park Foreshore Master Plan to support integration of the swim site with the waterfront areas of Callan Park which will be shared for community consultation in the coming months.
For more information on the Callan Park Tidal baths visit the Inner West Council website.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"We made a commitment to deliver a swim site in Sydney's Inner West and this MoU plunges us to the next stage of the project.
"The iconic Bay Run and surrounding parklands are already a community hub for family fun, sport, relaxation and exercise, so adding a swim spot where people can cool off in summer will be the perfect addition to an already thriving public space.
"This $2 million commitment is in addition to the $4.8 million the Minns Labor Government committed in the Budget to demolishing derelict buildings and return 1.6 hectares of parkland."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"This is great news for the Inner West because we're closer than ever to having a free spot to take a dip in, to take the edge off summer heat without having to travel out of our local neighbourhood.
"We look forward to working with Inner West Council to develop this project so we can enhance this Callan Park for the enjoyment of the whole community."
Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne said:
"The Callan Park Tidal Baths will be a spectacular addition to the Bay Run which is already one of the best used recreation facilities in Sydney.
"This swim site in the next step in incredible rehabilitation of the Parramatta River and will attract swimmers' and families from all over the Inner West to take a dip in Callan Park."
Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive, Joshua French said:
"Callan Park holds a special place in the hearts of the community who want to see the park reach its full potential.
"The Callan Park swim site will continue our foreshore improvement program and will be a place for families and visitors to enjoy the waterside location and relax on the beautiful foreshore."
