Designs for the $40 million upgrade of Sydney’s (Australia) iconic Leichhardt Oval have been unveiled and the community is encouraged to have its say on the proposal.
‘nsw.gov.au’ stated that this planned major upgrade will deliver facilities that meet the modern standards so that this iconic rugby league venue can continue its almost century-long history as a rugby league ground and serve the community as the much-loved home of the Australian rugby league football team Wests Tigers as well as the junior, community and club competitions across multiple codes.
The 20,000-capacity Leichhardt Oval is a rugby league and soccer stadium in Lilyfield, New South Wales, Australia.
The Wests Tigers is an Australian rugby league football team based in the Inner West of Sydney and South Western Sydney. The Tigers have competed in the National Rugby League (NRL) since being formed. The Leichhardt Oval serves as their home field.
New South Wales (Australia)-based the National Rugby League (NRL) (also known as the NRL Telstra Premiership for sponsorship reasons) is a professional rugby league competition in Oceania which is currently contested by 17 teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.
‘nsw.gov.au’ further stated that the proposed upgrade will transform the venue, known by the locals as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, into a modern hub for community events, professional and grassroots sports and cement its role as the permanent home for Men’s and Women’s National Rugby League (NRL) fixtures for the next 15 years.
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; and
- A new Northern grandstand, replacement of the lower seating bowl.
If given the green light construction is expected to commence after the 2026 season.
The $40 million upgrade is being jointly funded with $20 million from the Federal Government, $10 million from the NSW Government and $10 million from the Inner West Council a local Government area [LGA] in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The community exhibition opened on January 16th, 2026 and will continue till February 12th, 2026.
Observed Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, “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 the families will be able to enjoy the hallowed ground for generations to come.”
Added Anika Wells, Australian Minister for Sport, “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 the local residents, the sporting groups and the fans to provide feedback and help shape the future of this much-loved venue.”
Pointed out Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services of Australia, “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.”
Put in Paul Scully, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, “This is a chance for the fans and the community to have their say on the upgrade of one of Sydney’s most iconic suburban sports grounds. The 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.”
Stated Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Sport, “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 the players and the fans can create new memories for generations to come.”
Said Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill, “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.”
Maintained Darcy Byrne, Inner West Mayor, “After years of fighting to save Leichhardt Oval our plans for the renovation are progressing well. I encourage all Wests Tigers and the sports fans to make a submission to help us secure the future of the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.”
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