Callan Park House - Rozelle Hospital

Item details


Name of item:	Callan Park House - Rozelle Hospital
Other name/s:	Callan Park House, Garry Owen House, NSW Writer's Centre
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Hospital
Location:	Lat: -33.8667691483 Long: 151.1608531760
Primary address:	Balmain Road, Lilyfield, NSW 2040
Parish:	Petersham
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Inner West
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	1043540
LOT	2		DP	1043540

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Balmain Road	Lilyfield	Inner West	Petersham	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
NSW Ministry of Health	State Government

Statement of significance:


	As the original house on Callan Park when purchased by the Government, it has strong associations with the early history of the area. A well-sited, commodious mid-Victorian house with classical detail and an important visual element within this extensive complex. This impressive early and mid-Victorian residence is one of the oldest remaining houses in this district. It has strong associations with the early history of the Rozelle area. It is an important visual landmark element within the hospital.
	Date significance updated: 29 Jan 01
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Mortimer Lewis (attributed)
Construction years:	1839-1840
Physical description:	In December 2020 Callan Park (a 38 hectare part of the estate) was transferred to the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust. The remaining 22 hectares is managed by NSW Health under the Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002 (DPIE). The Kirkbride Block and Callan Park Conservation Area and Callan Park House area totals c45.5ha (Greater Sydney Parklands Trust, 2021). Garryowen Estate and House (the latter is now called the NSW Writer's Centre): Garden: Callan Park House (fmr. Garry Owen)'s siting and setting: In the northern part of the ridgetop zone is the area immediately surrounding Garryowen House, which faces north towards Iron Cove, its former carriage loop to the north now grassed with scattered trees. The house was built on a curved earth terrace projecting from the slope (the edge of the sandstone ridge where the land begins to fall away at the top of the slopes) with commanding views over Iron Cove (1991 Heritage Study of Rozelle Hospital). The trees comprise (spotted gums, jacarandas), a Cape plumbago hedge (P.capensis) to the east screening the 1880s Kirkbride Block of Callan Park (Rozelle Hospital). To the west Garry Owen's garden front continues to face a surviving remnant of its pleasure garden (framed by the 1880s James Barnet-designed sandstone cottage) with a huge evergreen/southern magnolia/bull bay tree (M.grandiflora), a red semi-double (marbled/blotched white) Camellia japonica cv. and other smaller shrubs (Stuart Read, 22/7/2013). To the rear (south) former service yards have been paved over around various wing extensions and other buildings - there is little sense of former garden or yards to the rear. Fragments of the house's once long, serpentine driveway to the south to Balmain Road remain, although altered. Plantings of note in this southern 'yard' area include pomegranate (Punica granatum), mulberry (Morus nigra) and NZ christmas tree / pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 6/2017). It retains some early estate and garden layout, showing the influence of English pattern books on laying out a garden - with axial approach to the front door with a carriage loop. Garryowen also retains some early plantings, such as an old (1.5m trunk girth) evergreen or Southern magnolia /bull bay, (M.grandiflora) and a Camellia japonica cv. (double rich ruby red with a fleck of white) west of the house's main garden front (western side) in front of Garry Owen Cottage (1880s). Four mature jacarandas (J.mimosifolia), 3 cabbage tree palms (Livistona australis) and a cedar wattle (Acacia elata) are to Garryowen's north. A Cordyline stricta, a Western Australian peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) and a hedge of Cape plumbago (P.capensis) are to the house's north-east. To the north-west (closer to Garryowen Cottage) are a Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), 3 Bhutan cypresses (Cupressus torulosa) and a Norfolk Island hibiscus tree (Lagunaria patersonia. To the west are more jacaranda trees (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 6/2017). Garry Owen / Garryowen House (now the NSW Writers' Centre): This, the first building on the (entire Callan Park) site, c.1837-39, was originally a grand private residence and prominent in Leichhardt society (1991 Heritage Study of Rozelle Hospital). The house has two main front rooms (drawing room and dining room) accessed through sliding doors from a central hall, enabling the opening of both right up into a large single ballroom, similar to that of Government House (which Mortimer Lewis had implemented, overseeing the plans prepared by English architect, Edmund Blore. It shows Lewis' architectural trademarks, such as reeded, rather than fluted mouldings in the tops of window cases, floor skirtings are panelled, French doors onto the verandahs (onto the entrance front (north) and garden front (west) sides of the house (these doors were later changed by James Barnet to hung windows). The octagonal asphalt paving blocks on the verandah floors are a trademark of James Barnet, also seen at his Police & Justice Museum near Circular Quay and South West Rocks Lighthouse. The Library and another room are divided by sliding doors. A gardener's cottage has 6 rooms (Griffin, pers.comm., 2013). The original small cottage has been incorporated into the present mid-Victorian two storey building. Later additions have been made to the east and south. The formal stair hall has a fine Neoclasical interior and central domed ceiling, with stained glass inserts and a cantilevered sandstone staircase, with iron and timber balustrades, two wall niches on the southern wall. There is a centrally placed entrance on the north elevation with elegant fanlight and classically detailed moulded entablature. It is constructed of rendered brick ashlar coursed single-storey verandah with timber supports and posts, corrugated iron roofed. The main roof is of galvanised iron, hidden behind the parapet. Extensive brick additions to the east which have been rendered and painted (1992, Preliminary Heritage & Conservation Register - Central District Area Health Service). The rendered brick building has a five bay elevation to the north and three bays to the east. A single storey corrugated iron verandah along full length of both elevations and supported by a series of chamfered square timber posts. Floor of unusual hexagonal bricks. Galvanised iron roof is hidden by a low parapet. The stucco walls lined to simulate stone blocks (RNE). The house was adapted as an asylum in 1875/76 prior to the building of the Kirkbride Block and though altered and extended is substantially intact (ibid, 1991). Extract from Preliminary Heritage and Conservation Register - Central District AHS (1992):Description Construction - Rendered brick ashlar coursed single storey verandah with timber supports and posts; corrugated iron roofed. Main roof of galvanised iron hidden behind the parapet. Extensive brick additions to the east which has been rendered and painted (CDAHS, 1992). Garry Owen Cottage (1880s) Adjacent is a (sand)stone cottage designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet as part of the 'Kirkbride Design'. The stone cottage is sited on the edge of Garryowen's earth platform, and together with the group of Convalescent cottages (zone 5) forms part of the deliberately composed picturesque setting for the Kirkbride Block. Also a small male attendants' cottage designed by WL Vernon is a neutral element in the zone and is a good example of its type (ibid, 1991). Directly north-east of the cottage is a large Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) tree, unfortunately toppled in a storm in 2015. Its stump is re-sprouting. Further north is a large mature Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) and to the cottage's north-west an orchid tree (Bauhinia x variegata) (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 7/2017).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The 2002 Tanner & Associates CMP (section 3.3 Historical Archaeological Assessment by Casey & Lowe) identifies (in figure 3.10) buildings considered to have potential. These all belong to the initial years of the hospital period (pre 1900) covering the original hospital buildings, initial additions and changes. Zone 4 is the Kirkbride Block & Garry Owen House precinct. Underground tanks occur in both areas. Garry Owen was known to have more outbuildings. The primary archaeological resource is seen as the standing buildings and sites of demolished buildings and outbuildings and their capacity to provide information about their original configuration and associated archaeological deposits such as underfloor and yard area deposits. Changing building configuration is particularly relevant to the changing nature of care for the mentally ill.
	Date condition updated:22 Jul 13
Modifications and dates:	1839 Garry Owen House built. 1885 Kirkbride Complex built. 1988 Major changes from the "Barclay Report" of 1988. Upgrading works at Rozelle Hospital, including restoration, refurbishment and selling of some land to fund the works. 1991+ Construction of a new psychiatric complex located off the south-western corner of the Kirkbride block, and the use of the Kirkbride block for psychiatric care was subsequently phased out (Wayne McPhee & Associates, 2006). 1992 feasibility study to accomodate the Sydney College of the Arts (University of Sydney) in the Kirkbride block and subsequent rezoning and development of the facility. At the end of 1992 it was proposed to lease the Kirkbride block to the University for occupation by the College of the Arts. The University undertook extensive conservation and adaptive reuse works to accomodate the College within the Kirkbride buildings. Garry Owen House has been restored for use by the NSW Writers' Centre. In May 1990 the Special Projects Section of the Public Works Department prepared a report on Garry Owen House for the Ministry for the Arts. This examined the cultural signficance and existing condition of the building and estimated cost of repairs. This was the basis for the restoration now complete. (Tanner & Associates, 2002).


Current use:	NSW Writer's Centre
Former use:	Callan Park House, Hospital Annex, Residence

History

Historical notes:

Before European settlement the Wangal clan or band lived at the site and their territory extended along the Parramatta River from about Petersham westward. The Wangal were part of the Eora or Dharug tribes. Due to a small pox epidemic between 1789 and 1790 and European land development, only about 50 people from Dharug families were living in the Sydney area by 1900. (Wayne McPhee, 2006).

Rozelle Hospital site forms part of Leichhardt Municipality, a district formed by 15 land grants between 1789 and 1821. The areas west of the peninsular were slow to develop, however the later land grants were instrumental in developing Rozelle Hospital (Wayne McPhee, 2006).

There were 2 small grants to Francis Lloyd who received 50 acres in 1819 (Portion 112, Parish of Petersham) and Luke Ralph who received 50 acres in 1821 (Portion 113). These adjoining grants stretched from Long or Iron Cove to Rozelle Bay. To their west, Lawrence Butler received 100 acres in 1819 (Portion 114). These grants by the 1840s were in common ownership and became Garry Owen estate, later known as Callan Park.

To the west of Butler's grant was John Austen's 100 acre grant which he received in 1819 (Portion 115, Parish of Petersham). This estate was initially called Spring Cove, but by the 1840s was known as Austenham. The two relevant houses on this estate were called Austenham or Kalouan and Broughton House.

Garry Owen Estate:
The Garry Owen estate was separated from the Broughton House/Austenham estate by a line formed by the extension northward of Wharf Road. (Tanner & Associates, 2002).

Callan Park was originally owned by Crown Solicitor and Police Magistrate John Ryan Brenan. Brenan's residence, Garry Owen House, was built about 1839 and possibly was designed by Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis. It is one of the oldest surviving houses in the area.

In 1841 Brenan bought an additional three acres west of his estate and built Broughton House, which he then sold with its extensive grounds in 1845.

The construction of Pyrmont Bridge in 1857 and Glebe Island Bridge in 1862 and the Iron Cove Bridge in 1880 opened up land to the west of Rozelle and generated speculative subdivision. Although large estates were rapidly subdivided, the houses and original curtilage of Broughton House and Garry Owen House remained rare survivors within the grounds of Rozelle Hospital. (Wayne McPhee, 2006).

Callan Park Estate:
In 1864 Brenan sold the estate to Sydney business man John Gordon. Gordon renamed the property Callan Park and in 1873 subdivided the land for auction as a new waterfront suburb. The Callan Park Estate was purchased by the Colonial Government of New South Wales, led by Henry Parkes, and Charles Moore, then Director of the Botanic Gardens, was entrusted with designing the grounds.

Moore travelled extensively during his long tenure as curator of the Botanic Gardens, and collected rainforest trees from Northern NSW and palms and kauris (Agathis spp.) from the Pacific Islands. Moore's legacy can be seen at Callan Park/Broughton House in the mature Moreton Bay fig, (Ficus macrophylla), Port Jackson fig, (F.rubiginosa), Bunya pines, (Araucaria bidwillii), hoop pines, (A.cunninghamii), kauri pines, (Agathis spp), palms such as the very tall cotton palms/ Washingtonias, (W.filifera and W.robusta), Canary Island date palm, (Phoenix canariensis) and pygmy date palm, (P. roebellinii), giant bamboo clumps and other rainforest trees. A notable specimen is the rare Coolamon or rose apple, (Syzygium moorei), named after Charles Moore, growing east of Broughton Hall's rainforest gully plantings along the creek line.

Garry Owen was purchased in 1874 by Sir Henry Parkes for use as an annexe to Gladesville Mental Hospital in 1874.

From 1876 it was the training centre for Gladesville Hospital nursing staff (Collins, 1991).

The magnificent Kirkbride Block of sandstone and brick buildings and courtyards was completed in 1885 for the Callan Park Psychiatric Hospital. This complex is now the campus of the Sydney College of the Arts.

During the first world war changes to mental health care were instigated and in 1914 patients could only be treated if they were committed into one of the major institutions. Broughton Hall was resumed by the Government for repatriation care and this function became one of the main functions of Callan Park with additional facilities built in the grounds.

During the early years of the 20th century health professionals pushed for early intervention in mental illness. In 1921 Broughton Hall opened as a voluntary admission clinic, which, through later years under Dr Sydney Evan Jones, became the largest voluntary facility in Australia. The use of gardens was an integral part of the patients' treatment and paths, ponds and bridges were built throughout the grounds.

Major changes to the Rozelle Hospital site were an outcome of the "Barclay Report" of 1988, which emphasised the need for a balance of services between community and hospital-based services. Upgrading works at Rozelle Hospital, including restoration, refurbishment and selling of some land to fund the works, were a direct result. Construction of a new psychiatric complex located off the south-western corner of the Kirkbride block was commenced in 1991, and the use of the Kirkbridge block for psychiatric care was subsequently phased out. The Central Sydney Area Health Service began to investigate alternative uses for buildings with heritage significance, in addition to assessing the future use of under used facilities throughout the hospital. (Wayne McPhee & Associates, 2006).

In 1990 the Historic Buildings Group of the NSW Dept. of Public Works prepared detailed conservation guidelines for the Kirkbride block to assist in assessing the feasibility of its use by the University of Sydney for the College of the Arts. In 1992 the Property Services Group undertook a feasibility study to accomodate the Sydney College of the Arts (University of Sydney) in the Kirkbride block and subsequent rezoning and development of the facility. At the end of 1992 it was proposed to lease the Kirkbride block to the University for occupation by the College of the Arts. The University undertook extensive conservation and adaptive reuse works to accomodate the College within the Kirkbride buildings.

Garry Owen House was restored for use by the NSW Writers' Centre. In May 1990 the Special Projects Section of the Public Works Department prepared a report on it for the Ministry for the Arts. This examined the cultural signficance and existing condition of the building and estimated cost of repairs. This was the basis for the restoration now complete (Tanner & Associates, 2002). The Hon. Peter Collins MP, MInister for the Arts opened it as the NSW Writers' Centre on 23/9/1991 as a centre for NSW writers (Collins, 1991).

For much of the twentieth century the complex has been managed by the Department of Health providing a range of health/ psychiatric care services, a centre for the NSW Ambulance Service. Towards the late twentieth century health services have been increasingly scaled back on the site, and many buildings have been left empty.

In the 1990s Rozelle Hospital vacated Kirkbride complex and in 1994 the Sydney College of the Arts, part of Sydney University, took over (Greenland, 2015, 17).

Currently the site accomodates a number of mental health functions. Rozelle Hospital primarily operating from the Broughton Hall Psychiatric Clinic buildings, together with support functions, it occupies over 100 buildings on the site. A number of buildings on the site are leased to other organisations including Sydney College of the Arts, The NSW Writers' Centre, a child care facility and the headquarters of the NSW Ambulance located at the corner of Balmain & Wharf Roads. As a result of changing trends in mental health services, the hospital has contracted to a current 275 bed psychiatric teaching hospital serving, in the main, the centre and inner west areas of Sydney, together with accomodation for a group of war veterans. (Tanner & Associates, 2002).

The Callan Park (Special Provisions) Act 2002 was allocated to the Minister for the Environment and will be administered by OEH. The site has multiple uses such as the Sydney College of Arts, NSW Health, NSW Ambulance Service, various non-government organisations and open space which has been managed by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. It has been the subject of a master-planning process. OEH is liaising with the Department of Planning and Environment on the transition of resources that support the current management arrangements of Callan Park (OEH Chief Executive Officer memo, 29/5/15).

4/6/2015 unanimous agreement by the Legislative Assembly which called on the State Government to implement (i.e. establish and appoint) a Trust for Callan Park was received with applause (Burge, 2015). The Assembly called on the Government to work with a Trust to finalise the Callan Park Master Plan, noting the principals of the current draft, and to ensure the Master Plan includes a sustainable long-term funding model to secure the protection of Callan Park in perpetuity. Soon after June 2015 management of Callan Park was transferred from Sydney Harbour FOreshores Authority to the Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH). OEH is preparing a discussion paper on the future management of Callan Park for public consultation for three months, before it decides on its final recommendations for the site (Greenland, 2015, 16-17).

Sydney College of the Arts, faced with falling enrolments, is planning to abandon Kirkbride Block and move the college to their main campus in Paddington by the end of 2016 (ibid, 2015, 17). The University of NSW and University of Sydney have signed a Heads of Agreement for students at SCA, Callan Park, Rozelle to transfer to one of the courses offered by UNSW Art & Design, or continue to graduation with their SCA course at the SCA campus in Paddington. The University of Sydney had already flagged it would move the SCA from Callan Park at the end of 2016 and new arrangements will operate from Semester 1, 2017. A consultation and communication process is underway with SCA staff (Inner West Courier, 21/6/16).

In April 2017 Heritage Minister Gabrielle Upton announced $2m funding to upgrade the Waterfront Oval at Callan Park, noting the government would ban apartments or commercial development at Callan Park (Clennell, 2017).

In 2019 the Sydney College of the Arts announced it is leaving Kirkbride and Callan Park and all its (various, scattered) schools will transfer to the main campus. From first semester 2020, SCA will take up residence in the historic Old Teachers College building, which has been completely redesigned by international award-winning architects ARM (www.sydney.edu.au/arts/news-and-events/news/2019/08/06/art-school-on-the-move.html).

In May 2020 NSW Health is preparing to accept expressions of interest for the Kirkbride Complex, last week vacated by the University of Sydney's College of the Arts, while the government is being called on to exhibit a final proposal to restore parts of the historic precinct, to which people have returned in droves. The site's open space has been rediscovered by people walking and running. Kirkbride is gated and padlocked after SCOA left. Balmain MP Jamie Parker called for government to exhibit the draft landscape structure plan commissioned by the former Office of Environment and Heritage in 2018. It would see more open spaces created through removal of disused decades-old buildings, removing unnecessary vehicle access to the waterfront area (where people use the crowded Bay Run to jog), and creating a network of paths throughout the (Callan) Park. None of the heritage listed buildings are slated for removal. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is still progressing the draft plan. Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne has started an online petition to establish a Callan Park Trust, a promise floated by Labor during 2019's state election campaign. 'The jewel in the crown of the inner harbour is instead becoming ruined' Cr. Byrne said, adding that he feared the Kirkbride complex would suffer the same fate as the other buildings (such as the convalescent cottages, built in the 1880s but now boarded up) that had suffered 'demolition by neglect' if it was not put to good use (Thompson, 2020).

In October 2020: a combined agency, the Greater Sydney Parklands Authority was formed to bring together staff and local park management experience from Centennial Parklands, Western Sydney Parklands, Parramatta Park, Callan Park and Fernhill Estate. In December 2020 Callan Park (a part of the estate) was transferred to the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust (DPIE).

In May 2021 the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, is due to issue a White Paper on the Greater Sydney Parklands. The white paper is on public exhibition until July 5 (https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/GSPwhitepaper).

On 16/12/2020 the Governor of NSW signed a proclamation vesting Precinct 1 'Callan Park' (all open space outside Kirkbride; Broughton Hall; and the NSW Ambulance Service sub-sites (precincts 2,3,4) in in the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust in fee simple (Callan Park (Special Provisions) (Vesting of Land) Proclamataion 2020 (2020-733), published 18/12/2020).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Parks-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes used for self reliant recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of institutions - productive and ornamental-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating mental health facilities-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Gentlemens Villas-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing medical staff-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Garden suburbs-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in health care-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	(none)-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administering a public health system-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing community facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing care for mentally disabled youth-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Providing hospital facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Hospital/nursing home phase-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Sanatoria-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - colonial period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - colonial homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (mid)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Patronising artistic endeavours-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Lt. Edward Charles Close, founder of Morpeth-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Mortimer Lewis, Colonial Architect, 1796-1879-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Charles Moore, Director Botanic Gardens and garden maker, 1848-96-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dr Frederick Norton Manning, Medical reformer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Ryan Brenan, Crown Solicitor and Police Magistrate-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Gordon, businessman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dr Sydney Evans Jones, psychiatrist-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	As the original house on Callan Park when purchased by the government, it has strong associations with the early history of the area.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	A well sited, commodious mid Victorian house with classsical detials and an important visual element within this extensive complex.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	Exercise care to protect cultural significance.

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Rozelle Hospital CMP	CMP endorsed by Heritage Council 6 March 2002 for a period of five years, expires 6 March 2007.	Mar 6 2002
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00823	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register			01 Feb 92
State Environmental Planning Policy	SREP 22 Parramatta River		05 Jun 90
Local Environmental Plan
National Trust of Australia register	Callan Park Conservation Area	6912
Register of the National Estate	Callan Park Conservation Area	1674	21 Mar 78

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Collins, Peter	1991	(plaque text) Garry Owen House - NSW Writers' Centre (opening day plaque)
Written	DPIE	2021	White Paper - Parklands for People - a proposed legislative framework for Greater Sydney Parklands	View detail
Written	Environmental Design Group, NSW Public Works Department	1991	A Heritage Study of Rozelle Hospital (draft)
Written	Greenland, Hall	2015	'Days of Hope at Callan Park'
Written	Griffin, Robert	2013	'notes from Colonial Architects Tour: Mortimer Lewis'
Written	Heritage Group, State Projects, NSW Dept. of Public Works	1993	Kirkbride Block Rozelle Hospital : conservation plan
Written	Morris, Colleen	1993	Callan Park Pleasure Gardens conservation plan
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	1994	Rozelle Hospital recording & assessment, in Heritage Gardens Study - Final Report NEP 94 752
Written	Read, Stuart	2017	'Five things to love about Callan Park Estate, Sydney'	View detail
Management Plan (HC endorsed)	Tanner & Associates Pty Ltd	2002	Rozelle Hospital CMP, Vols 1, 2 and 3
Written	Urban Design Advisory Service	2002	Master Plan for the Rozelle Hospital Site
Written	Wayne McPhee & Associates	2006	Heritage Impact Statement: proposed subdivision for lease purposes, Rozelle Hospital

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5014136
File number:	09/3201; S91/05974; S90/07360

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