Looks like Callan Park (formerly Rozelle Hospital) could be turned into a new campus for Sydney University for 6000 students.

Not good news for those who want it to be parkland, but the existing open space will be retained.

http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2007/10/28/1193555533386.html

This seems a pretty good compromise. People can still stroll about if they like.

Well, given that according to my 2005 UBD the site already is used by USyd, this was always pretty much a given.

And can a 1 story shack be built in this city without a NIMBY sqeaking?!?

Gloria doesn't like this one either, but he's more concerned because he thinks it should be retained as a Mental Hospital rather than handed over for this (and in the alternate, the University should pay more than ~$0 for it)

Gloria did have an interview in regards to it this week. Doesn't like the idea of it at Concord, next to Concord Hospital (which is a better idea). They didn't put the interview on the web. :(

The site at Rozelle is also home to the Sydney College of Fine Arts.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/state-government-dumps-campus-plan/2008/10/22/1224351298105.html

State Government dumps campus plan

Jano Gibson
October 22, 2008 - 10:00AM

A controversial plan to set up a new harbourside Sydney University campus at Callan Park has been dumped by the State Government.

The NSW Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, announced this morning that the State government would hand over control and management of the site to Leichhardt Council under a 99-year lease.

The decision is a victory for many local residents, who had opposed the university's takeover plans involving 5000 students and 400 staff.

Ms Keneally revealed last week that submissions about the proposed land use plan were overwhelmingly against it.

"The proposal would not have delivered an outcome the community could support, and I considered that along with the conversations I have had with the University of Sydney and Leichhardt Council," she said today.

The University of Sydney will continue its 99-year lease of the Kirkbride building at the site, which is currently home to the Sydney College of the Arts.

Ms Keneally announced the decision this morning alongside the Education Minister, Verity Firth, the Member of Parliament for the Balmain electorate. A 3.75 per cent swing in the electorate would be enough for the Greens to take the seat from Ms Firth.

This case shows so clearly why we cannot leave planning decisions to local councils and not even to State Governments. Since so many of the seats are marginal now there will never be any decisions taken.

The Nimbies are empowered like never before.

that decision is totally fckt up! the only outcome now will be a park. it should have had a fair mix. with the (possible) nearby metro station it would have been perfect for 5,000 students. oh well.

The fact that Leichhardt Council could end up with the land is just a start. Alan Jones continues to insist that it say as a psycharitic hospital.

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority currently has planning control of the site.