Callan Park facts for kids
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Callan Park is a huge, historic area in Lilyfield, a suburb in Sydney, Australia. It covers about 60 hectares (150 acres) and is officially called the Callan Park Conservation Area & Buildings because of its important history.
This special park is located right next to Iron Cove, a bay in Sydney. It's managed by different groups, including NSW Health and the Ambulance Service of New South Wales. A popular path called The Bay Run goes right through the park along the water's edge.
History of Callan Park
The story of Callan Park began in 1839. A man named John Ryan Brenan bought the land and built a house called Garry Owen. This house was a busy place for social events until 1864. Later, a businessman named John Gordon bought the land. He changed its name to Callan Park. He planned to divide it into smaller blocks for a new suburb by the water.
However, the government bought the entire area instead. They wanted to build a new hospital for people needing mental health care. The main buildings for this hospital were finished in 1885. The hospital continued to help patients until 1994. After that, the Sydney College of the Arts moved into the main building in 1996. The whole area, including its buildings and old rock carvings, was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2008. This means it's a very important historical site.
In 1918, the government also bought Broughton Hall, Lilyfield, which was next to Callan Park. It was used as an army hospital during World War I.
In 2011, the local council (now Inner West Council) approved special plans for Callan Park. These plans help manage and protect the park for the future. In 2020, the Sydney College of the Arts moved from Callan Park to the main campus of Sydney University.
Callan Park Hospital
The area that is now Callan Park was originally a private home. But the government bought it to create a hospital for people with mental health conditions. This hospital was known as the Callan Park Hospital for the Insane until 1914. It continued to operate until 1994.
After the hospital moved to newer buildings on the site, the main historic complex, called the Kirkbride Complex, was carefully renovated. The Sydney College of the Arts then used these beautiful old buildings for their art school.
Broughton Hall
Broughton Hall, Lilyfield is another historic part of Callan Park. It started as a grand home around 1841. Many important business people and public figures lived there over the years.
During World War I, Broughton Hall was used as an army hospital. Later, from 1921 to 1976, it became a special clinic for mental health care. In 1976, it joined with the Callan Park Hospital. Broughton Hall also became the first home for a special unit that helped children, teenagers, and families. Sadly, Broughton Hall itself later became unused and was damaged by fire and vandalism.
Gallery
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Callan Park
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Former Rozelle Hospital building
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Former Rozelle Hospital building
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Rozelle Hospital swimming pool within Callan Park
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Garden in Callan Park near the Kirkbride Complex buildings
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Looking over Iron Cove from Callan Park at dusk
