Leichhardt sport scene given a much needed boost

Leichhardt sport clubs are looking forward to a new ground on Glover Street after Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard agreed to Council leasing part of Callan Park.

Mayor of Leichhardt, Councillor Rochelle Porteous, and Member for Balmain, Jamie Parker MP, said the decision was a win for the community.

“We will rebuild and upgrade the sporting field as quickly as possible to ensure our local sporting clubs have the great facilities they deserve,” Councillor Porteous said.

The lease will give Leichhardt Council control and management of the land, which is owned by the NSW Department of Health, allowing for the installation of a new multipurpose sporting field worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“The problem has always been getting control of the land, the Council is happy to spend the money to do it,” Mr Parker said. “Now we have received that commitment from the minister we are delighted and we really want to get moving.”

Mr Parker said finding space for the sporting field is a big step forward in an area which lacks formal sporting fields.

“There are lots of kids in particular who want to play soccer or cricket and there’s not sufficient sorting fields for them to play on in the local area so that means they have to go all over Sydney to try and find a place to play their games.”

Mr Parker is confident the planning of the project will be completed in the following months, allowing construction to begin as soon as possible.

“I’m hoping, that we would be able to have the new field up for the start of the soccer season early next year.”

Lilyfield resident Stuart Granger said it would be great if the council could have it built that fast.

“We need more sporting fields. My boys play for Balmain Soccer Club, during winter they get shuffled around to different fields. The more sporting fields, the better,” Mr Granger said.

Councillor Porteous and Mr Parker have formally presented the Minister for Planning with the adopted Callan Park Master Plan.

“We will continue to work with the Minister for Planning to progress the adoption of the Callan Park Master Plan by the Parliament of NSW, as well as the establishment of the Callan Park and Broughton Hall Trust,” Councillor Porteous said.

By Tess Bennett