Consultation begins for $40m Leichhardt Oval refurbishment designs

Community feedback is being sought on the designs for the $40 million upgrades to the iconic Leichhardt Oval in Sydney. 

The community is encouraged to have their say on the project through the NSW Planning Portal, which is open for submissions until 12 February 2026. 

The Leichhardt Oval refurbishment is jointly funded with $20 million from the Australian Government and $10 million each from the State Government and Inner West Council. 

“Leichhardt Oval is not just about sport, it’s about the identity of the Inner West. 

“It is a place where the faithful can go along and cheer their local sporting team, and this upgrade from all three levels of government will ensure that spirit is preserved. 

“Leichhardt Oval was not fit for purpose, these upgrades will make sure that families will be able to enjoy the hallowed ground for generations to come,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. 

“Leichhardt Oval has a rich history, and this upgrade ensures it receives the respect it deserves. 

“This is a valuable opportunity for the community to have their say and help shape a fit-for-purpose, state-of-the-art venue where players and fans can create new memories for generations to come,” NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said. 

This planned major upgrade to Leichhardt Oval will deliver facilities that meet modern standards to enable the iconic rugby league venue to continue its almost century-long history as a rugby league ground while serving the community as the much-loved home of the West Tigers as well as junior, community, and club competitions across multiple codes. 

The planned improvements include: 

• Renovation of the historic western grandstand with new stadium seating 

• Modern hospitality and media facilities 

• Four NRL-compliant female-friendly change rooms 

• A new northern grandstand, replacement of the lower seating bowl 

“Leichhardt Oval is an iconic part of Australia’s sporting and community history, and the upgrade to Leichhardt Oval is about making sure it continues to serve the Inner West for generations to come. 

“With designs now released by the New South Wales Government, this is a great opportunity for local residents, sporting groups and fans to provide feedback and help shape the future of this much-loved venue,” Minister for Sport Anika Wells said. 

“Leichhardt Oval is one of Sydney’s most loved sporting grounds, and these upgrades will make sure it continues to be for years to come. 

“Whether you’re out on the field or cheering from the stands, this upgrade will deliver top quality facilities for everyone to enjoy, including our women’s and girl’s teams,” Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek said. 

Leichhardt Oval refurbishment plan (source: NSW Government)

The venue – known by locals as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ – will be transformed into a modern hub for community events, professional and grassroots sports, cementing its role as the permanent home for men’s and women’s National Rugby League (NRL) fixtures for the next 15 years. 

If given the go-ahead for construction, works are expected to begin after the 2026 NRL season. 

“This is a change for fans and the community to have their say on the upgrades of one of Sydney’s most iconic suburban sports grounds. 

“Fans have dubbed Leichhardt Oval as the Eighth Wonder of the World and this renewal will cement its status delivering modern facilities which will support its use for both sport and community events for years to come,” NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. 

“This long-awaited transformation of Leichhardt Oval is about retaining what we love about the ground, like the hill and the historic Western grandstand, while finally bringing it into the 21st century through a much-needed upgrade, particularly delivering female-friendly facilities. 

“Leichhardt Oval is an iconic community asset for the Inner West, so I encourage everyone to have their say about the plans,” Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said. 

“After years of fighting to save Leichhardt Oval our plans for the renovation are progressing well. 

“I encourage all West Tigers and sports fans to make a submission to help us secure the future of the eighth wonder of the world,” Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Government – Planning; AUStadiums