Leichhardt at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Council | Inner West Council (former Leichhardt Council area) |
| Postcode | 2040 (shared with Lilyfield) |
| Typical homes | Victorian and Federation terraces and cottages, Federation bungalows, low-rise flats and newer apartments |
| Heritage | Several heritage conservation areas, including the Excelsior estate, under the Inner West LEP 2022 |
| Watch for | Creek flooding and overland flow in the Hawthorne Canal and Whites Creek catchments; busy streets around Norton Street |
Which flood catchment is my Leichhardt house in?
Inner West Council splits Leichhardt along Norton Street. Land west of Norton Street drains to Hawthorne Canal, while land east of it drains to Whites Creek. Council's Leichhardt flood study and floodplain risk management plan found most flooding in these catchments comes from a mix of creek flooding and overland flow, where stormwater runs down streets and through backyards.
That matters when you add rooms at the back. An extension built across an overland flow path may need raised floor levels or a design that lets water pass. Council's flood certificate for your address gives the mapped flood levels, so get it before a designer starts drawing.
- Check whether your backyard sits on an overland flow path, especially in the lower streets towards the canal.
- Keep new paving, decks and garden walls from blocking the way water already drains across the block.
- Make sure downpipes connect to a working stormwater line, not just onto the ground.
Renovating in Leichhardt heritage streets
Leichhardt's old planning rules now sit inside the Inner West LEP 2022, and the suburb has several heritage conservation areas, including the Excelsior estate near Norton Street. In those streets, changes you can see from the street, such as front windows, verandahs, roofing and fences, usually need a development application. Most internal work does not.
The Parramatta Road corridor is also being replanned, with a council planning proposal covering Leichhardt, Taverners Hill and Kings Bay. If you live near it, check the current controls before you plan a large addition, because heights and heritage listings may be changing. Haberfield, next door, is a separate conservation area with its own strict controls, so don't assume rules you have heard about there apply in Leichhardt.
Jobs Leichhardt homeowners ask for
Most homes here have been extended or altered at least once, and older work often needs fixing before new work starts.
- Rising damp and subfloor ventilation problems in brick terraces
- Bathroom renovations and kitchen updates in narrow rear wings
- Sanding and repairing original timber floors
- Roof restoration on terracotta and slate roofs
Parking is hardest around Norton and Marion Streets, the area officially named Little Italy in 2020. Trades often need early starts or council permits for skip bins and work zones, so describe your street and access when you send the job.
Popular jobs in Leichhardt
Bathroom renovations
Plan a bathroom around layout, water management, ventilation and finishes before comparing prices.
Get quotesRising damp assessment
Find the source of moisture before committing to a damp treatment.
Get quotesHome extensions
Plan additional space around your existing structure, household needs and site constraints.
Get quotesTimber floor installation
Choose a timber flooring system around the substrate, moisture and how the room is used.
Get quotesRoof restoration
Understand whether repairing and restoring your existing roof is a sensible alternative to replacement.
Get quotesKitchen renovations
Resolve appliance locations, useful storage and circulation before selecting cabinet finishes.
Get quotesLocal service guides
Common questions
Why does it matter which side of Norton Street I live on?
Because the flood catchment changes. Inner West Council maps Leichhardt west of Norton Street in the Hawthorne Canal catchment and east of it in the Whites Creek catchment. Each has its own flood study and flood levels. A flood certificate for your address shows which applies and whether floor levels or overland flow rules affect your plans.
Is Leichhardt still covered by the Leichhardt LEP 2013?
No. Inner West Council consolidated the former Leichhardt, Marrickville and Ashfield plans into the Inner West LEP 2022. Heritage items and conservation areas carried over, and some are being reviewed. Check the current LEP maps on the NSW Planning Portal, or your Section 10.7 certificate, for the rules on your block.
Can trades park near Norton Street for my job?
Usually only with planning. Streets around Norton and Marion Streets are busy, and there is little free space for trucks or skips. A work zone needs a council application that can take weeks to approve, and skip bins need a permit. Tell trades about your access early so their quote allows for it.