Leichhardt Oval upgrade plan ready for public input
18 August 2023
Sydney’s most iconic suburban ground is one step closer to the renovation it so desperately needs with a preliminary plan for the upgrading of Leichhardt Oval ready for public engagement and input.
Developed in conjunction with Cox Architects (Allianz Stadium, Optus Oval and Adelaide Oval), sports clubs and Inner West residents, the Masterplan preserves the heritage of the ‘Eighth Wonder’ while providing several options for modernising and updating the facilities for male and female teams, the media and fans.
The plans developed are modular, providing options for the upgrade depending on available funding.
Options in the modular design include:
- A Museum of Inner West Rugby League - up to $1.25M
- An Additional grandstand at the northern end - $21M
- New and upgraded seating around the concourse - $4.9M
- Upgrades to the western grandstand - Costing between $45.3M and $98.3M
- Additional parking - $12.3M
- Improvements to accessibility and amenity around the oval - $5M
- Please find attached a photo montage and link to a video here
All options include preserving the heritage of the historic Keith Barnes Stand and Wayne Pearce Hill.
Creating a Museum of Inner West Rugby league to celebrate the history of our inner West foundation clubs, Balmain, Western Suburbs, Newtown, Glebe and Annandale is also central to the plan.
There are two options for upgrading the existing Latchem Robinson Stand. Both include upgraded and expanded change room facilities to accommodate male and female athletes. Both include new corporate facilities, improved and expanded seating, toilet and catering facilities.
A brand-new covered grandstand is also an option for the Northern end of the ground as well as improved lighting, a permanent big screen, improved seating around the entire concourse and improved accessibility and expanded parking capacity.
There are also options to improve broadcast facilities and upgrade the adjoining Leichardt Park Aquatic Centre.
The next stage is to undertake another round of public engagement with the preliminary concepts so fans, residents and users of Leichhardt Oval can give feedback which will be incorporated into the final Masterplan.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said, “The development of this design is the culmination of a decade long struggle to bring a much needed upgrade to this iconic ground and valuable community asset.
“We are not looking to build another major stadium, we have developed a modular plan with several levels of funding options, designed to simply bring Leichhardt Oval up to standard for the myriad of sporting and community organisations who utilise the ground.
“With the development of these design options, the public and the State and Federal Governments can see what a difference a modest investment can make to all of the senior and junior, men’s and women’s Rugby League, Soccer and Rugby Union teams who regularly use Leichhardt Oval.
“With a fraction of the $300 Million that has been allocated to Penrith Stadium, we can provide decent seating, toilets, catering facilities and upgraded, female-friendly change rooms for all of the hundreds of teams who use the ground and the fans who support them.”
ENDS
For further media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au