Final design for Leichhardt Oval upgrade released
Wednesday 23 April 2025
Media release
Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
The final designs for the upgrade of historic Leichhardt Oval have been released today.
The designs include new facilities for players, spectators and sporting clubs that will bring the ground up to modern standards.
This will include a major renovation of the Western grandstand which will include:
- 4 new female friendly change rooms with players facilities that are fully compliant with NRL standards
- New ‘stadium seating’ throughout the grandstand
- New hospitality, corporate and media facilities that will dramatically improve the experience for all spectators
In addition, the design includes a new northern grandstand, and replacement of the entire lower seating bowl with modern stadium seating.
These improvements will secure the future of Leichhardt Oval for decades to come and allow the venue to be a permanent hub for women’s sport.
The design has been developed by project managers Ernst and Young and Cox Architects, who both bring deep experience in the renovation of stadiums and major sporting facilities.
Please find attached a copy of the plans as well as artists impressions of the new facilities:
The upgrade has been made possible through a funding agreement between the Commonwealth, State and local governments. The commonwealth has committed $20 million and the State Government and Inner West Council $10 million each to the project.
Construction of the upgrade is due to commence at the conclusion of the 2026 winter season.
Tanya Plibersek, Member for Sydney said:
“Australians love spending time outdoors, getting together with family and friends to watch a game, or cheer on the next generation.
“Leichhardt Oval is a place for world class games – and it deserves world class facilities. This new development will mean there are top quality facilities for everyone to enjoy, including schools and women and girls’ teams.
“That’s why Labor has committed $20 million to support these vital upgrades. We want to make sure the Oval is a community hub into the future. ”
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said players and fans alike would be excited to see the high-quality new facilities set to be delivered at Leichhardt Oval.
“These designs keep the heritage and character of our famous ground while bringing the facilities for players, spectators and sports clubs up to modern standards,” Byrne said.
“This will make the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ one of the highest quality suburban grounds in Australia while taking the unbeatable atmosphere there to another level.
“We are ready to deliver a renovation that will secure the future of Leichhardt Oval for another 50 years to come.”
Ends
For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne, Jonny.Browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au