Leichhardt Local History
In the inner west of Sydney lies the suburb of Leichhardt, named after the German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt who was the first European to explore the area in 1843. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the suburb began to take shape.
The first land grant in the area was given to James Norton in 1827, who named his property ‘Leichhardt's Farm'. Over the years, the land was subdivided and sold off to various developers, leading to a boom in construction during the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, Leichhardt had become a busy and bustling suburb, home to working-class families and newly arrived migrants.
One prominent industry in Leichhardt during this time was the brick-making industry. The suburb was home to several brickworks, including the well-known Balmain brickworks. The brickworks provided employment for many residents and contributed to the development of the suburb.
Leichhardt was also home to a number of important social and cultural institutions during the early 20th century. The Leichhardt Methodist Church was built in 1892 and served as a focal point for the community. The Church was also an important player in the temperance movement, advocating for the restriction or avoidance of alcohol consumption.
The Leichhardt Public School was built in 1884 and is still in operation today. It was the first public school in the suburb and was intended to provide education for children of all backgrounds.
The Leichhardt Town Hall was built in 1914 and served as a hub for social and cultural events. It was also the site of many political rallies and meetings, reflecting the suburb's strong tradition of political activism.
During the 1960s and 70s, Leichhardt underwent major changes as a result of urban renewal schemes. Many of the suburb's historic buildings were destroyed, and the construction of the City West Link road severed the suburb's connection to nearby Annandale.
Despite these changes, Leichhardt remains a vibrant and diverse suburb, home to a bustling shopping and dining precinct on Norton Street. It is also home to the Italian Forum, which was built in the 1980s and serves as a hub for the local Italian community.
Leichhardt is also a hub for the arts, with the historic Palace Norton Street cinema showcasing the latest films. The suburb is also home to several galleries and theatre companies, such as the Flight Path Theatre, which showcases local talent and fosters creativity in the community.
Today, Leichhardt is a mixture of old and new, with reminders of its rich history alongside modern developments. It remains a vibrant and diverse suburb, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its unique character.