Sydney Inner West Mayor Proposes Leichhardt Oval For Concert Use
Image: Leichhardt Oval. Inner West Council Facebook
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has proposed that Leichhardt Oval’s use go beyond just sport and be used for cultural and arts events as well.
The plan will utilise the $40 million in funding earmarked to save Leichhardt Oval from closure.
The $40 million renovation will see facilities built to support concerts and cultural events, with a limited number of concerts being trialled next year.
‘It’s time for music lovers to experience that as well as sports fans’
“Leichhardt Oval has the best atmosphere of any suburban ground in Australia and it’s time for music lovers to experience that as well as sports fans,” Byrne explained.
“Rugby league, soccer and union players all love playing at the eighth wonder of the world and now some of Australia’s best bands can get a buzz out of performing there too.
“By trialling the use of the ground for live performance we will be able to attract some big-name acts who will bring the place alive as a concert venue.”
‘Could also be a fantastic hub for concerts and cultural events’
Labor councillor Tim Stephens “wholeheartedly” supports the proposal.
In a statement to City Hub, Stephens said, “Leichhardt Oval is not only a great sports ground, but could also be a fantastic hub for concerts and cultural events.
“I look forward to taking my kids to a concert there someday in the not-too-distant future (but I suspect we may have some disagreement on which bands they’d like to see there!)”
Greens Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz supports using the land for community use but is concerned with the limited green space.
“I would welcome the use of Leichhardt Oval land for community use. [For example], training and matches of community clubs, performances for locals by locals, and walking and other forms of recreation that is popular amongst our community, including biodiversity-rich and quiet places, but the limited green space is precluding.”
Leichhardt Oval Will Host More Than 120 Sport Events This Year
The proposal is set to be voted on by Inner West Councillors soon.
According to Inner West Council, Leichhardt Oval will host more than 120 sport events over 44 separate days this year.
Sport teams that play at Leichhardt Oval include Wests Tigers NRL and NRLW, Sydney FC women’s, the NSW Waratahs and broad range of school, amateur, professional and international teams
Leichhardt Oval is located along the Parramatta River just off Glover Street.
Have you interviewed any of the residents from the surrounding streets?
The other problem is lackmof parking. Members and other patrons of LPAC are negatively impacted when events are held here as they cannot bfind a park which negates the use of their membership on these days.