Cross governmental announcement confirms $40 million investment into Sydney's Leichhardt Oval

The Federal and NSW Governments and venue owner the Inner West Council have today announced a $40 million joint investment into Sydney's Leichhardt Oval.

The fund includes $20 million from the Federal Government, $10 million from the NSW Government and $10 million from the Inner West Council which will be used to raise the venue’s seating capacity by 3000 seats, develop a new northern grandstand and add new female-friendly change rooms.

new change rooms, a new northern grandstand and increased seating capacity.

The development will be led by the Council, drawing on its master plan for the venue.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the upgrade is long overdue, advising “we fought for years to save Leichhardt Oval and this $40 million investment will mean the eighth wonder of the world will still be here for another 50 years to come.

"West Tigers will have a spiritual home there and this will become a hub for female sports right across Sydney.

"This is such a fantastic thing that the local community will be able to continue to use this institution for many decades to come."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in whose electorate the venue is sited, said his administration understood "the important role suburban grounds play in the quality of life for Australians", adding “this investment will not only be great for the Wests Tigers, but will see Leichhardt Oval continue to be a hub for school, women and girls' sport.

"Leichhardt Oval is a place where the faithful can go along and cheer their local sporting teams, and this funding from all three levels of government will ensure that spirit is preserved."

Hosting NRL, NRLW and Women's A League matches, along with amateur and junior rugby league and football games, Leichhardt Oval is one of two home grounds for the West Tigers NRL side.

Having previously indicated concerns that the ground has insufficient change rooms to host NRL men's and women's double-headers along with inadequate facilities for spectators, media and corporate clients, Wests Tigers has not committed to playing games at the venue in the future.

Images: This year's A-League Women's final at the venue (top) and Inner West Council's 2022 concept for the redevelopment of Leichhardt Oval (below, credit: Inner West Council).