Callan Park dives into a new era in time for summer

The green jewel of the Inner West, Callan Park is about to become more vibrant with work beginning to deliver a new swim spot and 1.6 hectares of extra green open space in time for summer.

The new tidal bath will make a splash on the Iron Cove foreshore featuring an accessible pathway and ramp, a generous fixed jetty, pontoon, and shark net.

Located along the popular Bay Run and close to sports fields, such as Leichhardt Oval and

King George Park will make sure the new tidal bath can be enjoyed by the millions of swimmers, pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and families that already enjoy the parkland each year.

At the same time demolition work has swung into action to remove 9 unsafe buildings which were neglected for so long that they have become not only an eyesore but a safety hazard and target for vandals.

The removal of these long cordoned off buildings will unlock central parts of Callan Park delivering the equivalent of 2 football fields of green space back to free community use.

Both these projects have been enabled thanks to a $6.8 million investment from the Minns Labor Government and an additional $1.8 million from Inner West Council to deliver the tidal baths.

The new tidal bath is expected to be open for the summer in 2026. The building demolition will be complete by late 2026 opening the additional green space to the public again.

Work is also continuing to transform one of the park’s long vacant buildings into a new club house for the Balmain & District Football Club.

Projects like this have long been delayed by unnecessary red tape and other restrictions. While these are great long overdue upgrades for Callan Park to unlock its full potential the Legislative Council still needs to pass The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026.

The proposed legislation will improve services and facilities for park users and support long term financial sustainability of Greater Sydney Parklands, so our city’s green spaces are protected and supported for generations to come.

In Callan Park the legislation will make great activations like cafes possible, allowing the use of vacant buildings, and preventing them from becoming dangerous eye sores like those we’ve now started removing.

Callan Park is a popular destination for both the local community and visitors attracting more than 2.4 million visitors every year. With the surrounding population expected to grow to 415,000 by 2041 it’s important we create a sustainable future for this great parkland.

The legislation will also allow for the parklands estate to be added to so that more people throughout Sydney, the Central Coast and Wollongong have access to high quality recreational spaces.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities investing quality green open space to support much needed housing growth.

For more information on the Callan Park visit https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/visit/callan-park

For more information on the Tidal baths visit the Inner West Council website.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“With a crash and a splash, we’re adding to the fantastic green space of Callan Park to make it an even better place for people to spend time in the outdoors.

“The new tidal bath and return of 1.6 hectares or the equivalent of 4000 large picnic blankets of green open space to the community will mean more people can enjoy this great parkland.

“This is an exciting new era of activation at Callan Park, but for the park to be able to host your new favourite café and reach its full potential we need the Parklands Bill to pass Parliament.

“The Bill proposes practical and sensible reforms needed to protect, improve and sustain our much-loved green spaces, but more importantly so that we can continue to expand them so even more people can enjoy high-quality recreational spaces.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“Callan Park is such a precious part of the Inner West but for too long too much of it has been locked off to our community.

“That’s why we’re opening up more of Callan Park, with new tidal baths, more sporting facilities, more quality green space, and places to spend time outdoors.

“I can’t wait to take my kids to dive into our new Callan Park swim spot this summer and to be able to enjoy more of Callan Park along with so many Inner West families.”

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Joshua French said:

“These works are yet another step forward in an exciting transformation for Callan Park and will help unlock an additional 1.6 hectares of open space in the heart of the park.

“We know how much the community values Callan Park for walking, exercising, relaxing and spending time with friends, family and pets, and these improvements will enhance those experiences.”