Inner West Council invests almost $1 million to upgrade Leichhardt Oval amenities and sport field

Sydney’s Inner West Council is investing $960,000 in Leichhardt Oval - delivering upgrades to the playing field surface and male and female amenities from October 2022.

As part of the works, a new male amenity block will be constructed, and will include a spectator viewing platform above it, the female amenities will be refurbished with an additional six cubicles.

The sport field will see a laser graded topdress, field drainage upgrade including sand grooving; and irrigation and water harvesting system upgrade. The works will commence in October and take approximately five months to complete (weather permitting).

Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne notes “we are doing our part by upgrading the playing field and amenities, but we still need the State Government to contribute and provide fair funding. The $50 million Dom Perrottet offered and then snatched away needs to be put back on the table.”

Deputy Mayor Philippa Scott reflects on local sentiment and adds “the community has made their feelings clear about fair funding for Leichhardt Oval: they know we need it now and they’re angry that we’ve been ignored for so long. Most of the year, Leichhardt Oval is used by men's and women's and girls’ and boys’ community sport, and they deserve some shared investment too. But the truth is, without an upgrade, the Wests Tigers simply won’t be able to play there anymore, and that possibility is incredibly sad and frustrating."

Leichhardt Oval has played host to Wests Tigers, Sydney FC, the Waratahs, the Matilda’s, the Roosters NRLW team, APIA Leichhardt, Sydney FC’s Women’s A League team, Shute Shield games, a NSW Police Rugby League tournament, Balmain Junior Rugby League, Pacific tests, the NRLW semi-finals and community sport.

The upgrades to Leichhardt Oval include:

• Construction of a new male amenity block

• New spectators platform area above the male amenity block

• Reconfigured entry and exits from male amenities to improve access to adjoining paths and stair

• Refurbished female amenities (replacement of existing toilets, fixtures and fittings) with an additional six cubicles, including two ambulant cubicles

• Replaced roof and rainwater tank on female amenities

• Laser graded topdress on field

• Field drainage upgrade including sand grooving

• Irrigation and water harvesting system upgrade