LEICHHARDT OVAL

Established in 1934, Leichhardt Oval is a significant cultural and recreational facility in the Inner West Local Government Area. The Oval plays an important role in both the local and state sporting environment as well as contributing to the cultural identity of the Inner West area.

LEICHHARDT OVAL MASTER PLAN

With many of its facilities over 30 years old, the Oval was overdue for a comprehensive Master Plan to bring facilities up to modern standards and to ensure the continued prominence of Leichhardt Oval as a premier destination for professional and community sports. Cox Architects were engaged in 2022 to prepare a Master Plan for Leichhardt Oval that included the development of individual concepts (including costings) that provided options for the renovation of individual elements of the oval depending on the amount of available funding that could be sourced.

The Ten (10) Year Master Plan (adopted in October 2023) provides a clear direction to ensure the ongoing and future relevance of Leichhardt Oval as a compliant venue which can attract community and high-level sporting events and training; and maximises the use of all spaces, including increasing the use of the function rooms.

The Master Plan was developed to provide a sound basis for the ongoing management of Leichhardt Oval, in identifying and prioritizing areas for intervention while working to uphold and preserve the ground’s iconic heritage features.

The Master Plan establishes a clear vision for future of Leichhardt Oval after being developed through an ongoing stakeholder engagement process with a list of the key considerations incorporated throughout the duration of the design.

These key considerations included;

• To formally acknowledge the history and culture of Leichhardt Oval and the important role it has played within the community since its establishment in 1934

• To provide a multi-purpose, high standard, event, function, and conference facility which is strategically planned and managed

• To consider the needs of the community and key stakeholders including accessibility and inclusivity

• To incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles

• To ensure an ongoing commitment to the management of the broader Leichhardt Park sporting precinct through the development of effective and innovative practices to minimise the impact that Leichhardt Oval may have on the surrounding area.