A park in Sydney’s Inner West has become a battleground for local politicians and community groups debating the historic site’s future.

Callan Park is the site of the former Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital and several other abandoned heritage buildings “going to rack and ruin”.

While some locals have proposed arts and culture and food and beverage providers be allowed to revamp the buildings, others have fought back.

Legislation passed last night has handed the reigns over to Greater Sydney Parklands, moving the site a step closer to allowing cultural usage.

Deborah Knight, a local herself, slammed green groups opposing the park’s “untapped potential”.

“The local council, with its Greens mayor, has blocked a lot of really good ideas for breathing new life into Callan Park.

“I keep getting flyers in the letterbox saying ‘save Callan Park’, but I’m wondering, save it from what?

“Their fierce opposition and fierce inaction is just as bad as developing the place up the wazoo!”

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