Draft Foreshore Plan for Callan Park Includes Cafe Proposal

Community consultation is underway on a draft foreshore master plan for Callan Park, a 61-hectare parkland in Lilyfield in Sydney's inner west. NSW government agency Greater Sydney Parklands released the plan on Monday. It includes new walking paths, play areas, additional parking, and upgrades to the Bay Run shared pathway.

One historic building, the Cane Room, would be retained and adapted into a cafe under the plan. Greater Sydney Parklands chief executive Joshua French said the master plan explores opportunities like a cafe as one possible future use for this space.

Current legislation allows the site to be leased only to not-for-profit organisations. An amendment to permit appropriate commercial activity is before the NSW parliament.

The site was used as a psychiatric hospital from the late 1870s until the 1980s and now serves as public green space containing more than 130 historic buildings. Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully said modern communities expect a degree of activation in public spaces.

Greens MP and member for Balmain Kobi Shetty told parliament the bill went beyond what was necessary. Liberal MP Mark Hodges said limited and carefully managed commercial activity can play a role in supporting maintenance and activation of the spaces.

The foreshore is the most used area in Callan Park, with about 5,000 people passing through the Bay Run each day. The plan includes separating pedestrians and cyclists with line marking, upgrading the asphalt surface, and planting new trees along the path.

Community consultation on the plan remains open until June 21.