SYDNEY University's hopes of developing an 85,000 sqm campus project on the old psychiatric hospital at Callan Park has been dumped by the Rees Government following community backlash.
In June last year, despite local anger and without community consultation, former Planning Minister Frank Sartor went ahead and entered into negotiations with Sydney University to explore development opportunities on the 61ha harbourside site.
The University of Sydney already has a 99-year lease on the heritage Kirkbride Buildings, which is home to the Sydney College of the Arts.
But yesterday Minister for Planning Kristina Keneally announced the New South Wales Government will handover management of
“The draft land use plan, which would have seen
“The proposal would not have delivered an outcome the community could support and I considered that, along with the conversations I’ve had with the
Keneally said the land to be transferred to the Council includes the site’s waterfront, playing fields, parkland campus, and area around
The hand over will see 40ha transferred to the community.
“Under the proposed transfer, the NSW Ambulance Services, NSW Writers Centre, Rozelle Child Care Centre and low-cost accommodation for nurses and other key workers will stay on site.” Keneally continued.
The announcement was supported by NSW Minister for Education and Training and Member for Balmain Verity Firth, who supported the community view that
“Today’s decision required no changes to the
Firth said the decision by the Rees Government was a victory for the inner west community.
“It is protected for them now and into the future. People in the inner west genuinely value Callan Park’s open space, sporting fields and parkland, and the NSW Government’s action today will ensure they continue to enjoy them for generations to come,” Firth added.
Australian Property Journal
