Designs for a $40 million upgrade of Leichhardt Oval in Sydney have gone public and are now open for public comment.
The ground is currently home to the West Tigers NRL club.
The NSW Government hopes the upgrades will extend the ground’s life for another 15 years.
Planned work includes renovation of the western grandstand with new stadium seats, modern hospitality and media facilities, four female change rooms for players and a new northern grandstand to replace the lower seating bowl.
If given the green light, construction is expected to start after the 2026 NRL season.
The design will be open for comment until Thursday, February 12.
To have your say, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
The upgrade is jointly funded three-ways; $20m from the Federal Government, $10m from the NSW Government and $10m from Inner West Council.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the oval is “not fit for purpose” and the upgrades “will make sure” it is.
DESIGN OPEN TO COMMENT
Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells says the release of the designs is a “great opportunity” for residents, groups and fans to have a say.
MP for Sydney (ALP) Tanya Plibersek claims the oval is one of Sydney’s most loved sporting grounds: “these upgrades will make sure it continues to be for years to come” for male and female teams.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully describes the upgrades as the “renewal” of a sports ground that will enable its continual use.
MP for Summer Hill Jo Haylen says: “This long-awaited transformation of Leichhardt Oval is about retaining what we love about the ground, like the hill and the Western grandstand, while finally bringing it into the 21st century through a much-needed upgrade, particularly female-friendly facilities.”
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne says that “after years of fighting to save Leichhardt Oval our plans for the renovation are progressing well”.
“I encourage all Wests Tigers and sports fans to make a submission to help us secure its future.”
EARLIER OVAL NEWS: 2025 NRL pre-season fixtures announced
