Callan Park building safety demolition

The demolition works are planned to start in mid-2026. The community, tenants and park users will be notified in advance of the works and any temporary changes to visitor access, parking and traffic conditions and park facilities. 

Plans for ensuring park user safety and traffic movements will be developed before the start of works. 

This area of park, referred to as the ‘central green’ in the Callan Park Companion Animals Management Plan, is designated as dog off-leash. Demolition works will be staged to ensure dog walkers can continue to access this area. Water points will be retained and a new water bubbler with dog bowl will be installed, next to the new parking bays and existing bin station.

The buildings are not structurally sound, contain hazardous materials and pose a risk to public safety. Their removal will provide additional connected green space for the community to enjoy. Consultation for the Callan Park Plan of Management heard that the community supports retaining and restoring buildings of heritage significance and replacing dilapidated buildings with nature landscaping.

Various forms of asbestos-containing and hazardous materials have been identified, or are assumed present, in all buildings planned for demolition works or refurbishment. Greater Sydney Parklands and its contractors are managing and mitigating all risks associated with the removal of these materials in accordance with strict safety and regulatory requirements.

If any previously unidentified asbestos-containing material is found during works, procedures are in place to immediately stop work in the affected area and implement appropriate control measures to ensure it is managed safely.

The Callan Park Conservation Management Plan 2011 identifies the buildings as constructed in the mid-to-late 20th century and of low heritage value. 

All significant heritage buildings are retained and protected as per the Callan Park Conservation Management Plan 2011.

The mature trees located near the buildings will be protected during the works and retained. A small number of shrubs, weed trees and trees in poor condition have been earmarked for removal, the majority of which have ‘nil’ or ‘low’ retention value under the Callan Park Tree Management Plan. Two trees with ‘moderate’ retention value growing very close to the buildings may also need to be removed if they are structurally unstable following building removal.

Ecological and aboricultural assessments are being undertaken to minimise and manage impacts to wildlife. The ecologic assessment found fauna activity was ‘very low’ in the buildings and it was unlikely any tree removal would impact wildlife. Greater Sydney Parklands will work with WIRES to facilitate fauna care and relocation as required.

Project funding covers the removal of the buildings and returfing of the building footprints. Improvements to park facilities and landscapes including new plantings will be considered following the preparation of a precinct masterplan in the future as funding becomes available.

The plan of management enables the works to be undertaken under the development without consent planning pathway. Under this pathway, a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared in accordance with applicable legislative requirements. The REF ensures that  environmental impacts are appropriately considered and managed in the design and delivery of the project. The REF will be made publicly available.