Concepts revealed for upgrades at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval

Design concepts for the redevelopment of Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval - one of the home venues for the NRL’s Wests Tigers - have been submitted to the NSW Government for approval.

As revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald, artist impressions of the $40 million redevelopment of the suburban ground includes a new grandstand on the northern hill and a significant renovation of the western grandstand.

The project is expected to begin at the end of the 2026 season, with plans for the Tigers to return to the upgraded 20,000-seat venue at the beginning of the 2028 NRL season.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Tigers may play a series of fixtures at the venue in the early part of the 2026 NRL season, potentially enabling work to commence in August, opening the window for a potential return for the final stages of the 2027 season.

In June last year, the Federal and NSW Governments partnered with Inner West Council to fund the development committing $20 million, $10 million and $10 million respectively.

Advising that players and fans alike would be excited to see the designs, Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne stated “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.

“We are ready to deliver a renovation that will secure the future of Leichhardt Oval for another 50 years.”

Wests Tigers who will play matches at Sydney's CommBank Stadium, Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval over the next two seasons, had previously said it would leave the Leichhardt venue if upgrades were not funded.

More recently, Wests Tigers Chief Executive Shane Richardson has threatened to leave Campbelltown Sports Stadium unless the local council gives a $50 million guarantee to upgrade the facilities at the venue.

Earlier this month Richardson told the club’s Behind the Roar podcast that if there were no plans to spend on the venue during the next three years, “we won’t play there”.

Images: Concepts for the new-look Leichhardt Oval (top) and hospitality areas at the upgraded venue (below).