Designs for the $40 million upgrade of Sydney's iconic Leichhardt Oval have been unveiled and the community is encouraged to have its say on the proposal.
This planned major upgrade will deliver facilities that meet modern standards so this iconic rugby league venue can continue its almost century long history as a rugby league ground and serving the community as the much-loved home of the West Tigers, as well as junior, community, and club competitions across multiple codes.
The proposed upgrade will transform the venue, known by 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.
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.
- 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 Inner West Council.
The community exhibition is open from Friday, 16 January 2026 until Thursday, 12 February 2026. To have your say on the Leichhardt Oval refurbishment, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
"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 families will be able to enjoy the hallowed ground for generations to come."
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said:
"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 local residents, sporting groups and fans to provide feedback and help shape the future of this much-loved venue."
Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek said:
"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."
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"This is a chance for fans and the community to have their say on the upgrade of one of Sydney's most iconic suburban sports grounds."
"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."
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"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 players and fans can create new memories for generations to come."
Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:
"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."
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:
"After years of fighting to save Leichhardt Oval our plans for the renovation are progressing well.
"I encourage all Wests Tigers and sports fans to make a submission to help us secure the future of the eighth wonder of the world."
