Inner West Council releases plans for redevelopment of Leichhardt Oval

Anticipating NSW Government funding, Sydney's Inner West Council has released a master plan for the updating of the Leichhardt Oval which will include a new grandstand, a museum of rugby league in the Inner West and plans for hosting at least six NRL West Tigers' home games each season.

Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne tabled a mayoral minute at the Council’s most recent meeting advocating the new master plan for Leichhardt Oval, which will also include improved parking, opening the ground to the public during the week and an upgrade to the adjacent Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre, which would provide improved gym, rehabilitation and aquatic facilities for the community.

The move follows Mayor Byrne having been critical of the neglected state of suburban sporting grounds across Sydney, saying that the NSW Government had an “abysmal record of failing to support our spiritual homes”.

Mayor Byrne’s move is in line with calls by Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys for the upgrade of venues across Sydney.

Earlier this month, V’landys told Nine that “we want people to walk to the games” and for “that tribalism to occur”.

Mayor Byrne said that Leichhardt Oval “holds a special place in the hearts of Australian sporting fans and the Inner West community”, calling it “one of Australia’s best-loved sporting grounds”.

The ground regularly plays host to rugby league, rugby union, football and junior sporting events.

Leichhardt Oval plays host to rugby league, rugby union, football and junior sporting events.

Image: Leichhardt Oval and the Leichhardt Aquatic Centre.