Council dedicates $10 million to save Leichhardt Oval

Tuesday 4 June 2024

Media release
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne

Inner West Council tonight voted to dedicate $10 million of Council funds to save Leichhardt Oval.

The meeting endorsed a proposal from the Mayor to commit these funds to renovating the famous ground as well as $40 million to the renovation of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, located next door to the Oval.

The combined $50 million investment will support a Leichhardt Park Sport and Recreation Precinct, providing modern swimming, rehabilitation and gymnasium facilities for sporting teams using Leichhardt Oval for training and games.

“It’s crunch time for Leichhardt Oval and Council has just made a significant new financial commitment to saving the eighth wonder of the world,” Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said.

“Tonight was a crucial and significant step toward the rescue and rejuvenation of one of Australia’s most loved suburban grounds and a future hub of women’s sport in Sydney.

“$10 million in new investment to upgrade Leichhardt Oval will fund important parts of the Masterplan including female friendly change rooms, which is our highest priority.

“The Olympic Pool has come to the end of its lifecycle and needs to be replaced and we will deliver a new 25-metre pool which will be useable for a range of sports as well as rehabilitation and recovery.

“We have been carefully planning the upgrade of the Aquatic Centre, which is used by hundreds of thousands of people each year. This is a core local government responsibility.

“Together this $50 million investment will help create a Leichhardt Park Sport and Recreation Precinct that can be used by the whole community as well as a wide variety of sporting teams for many years to come.”

Ends

For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au