Crawford Oval upgrade completed at Princes Park

Renewal works at Crawford Oval in Princes Park have been completed, delivering a significantly upgraded and more flexible sporting space for the local community.

The City of Melbourne project has expanded and modernised the oval to support increased participation across multiple sports, with the renewed facility now able to accommodate two soccer fields and one AFL oval.

A new multi-use turf surface, upgraded drainage and irrigation, and four energy-efficient LED light towers will allow the ground to be used more often and in a wider range of conditions.

The council’s community, health and city services portfolio head Cr Gladys Liu said the works would ensure Crawford Oval continued to play a central role in Melbourne’s sporting landscape.

“Crawford Oval can now be used by more people, more often – with an expanded ground, multi-use turf, improved drainage and energy-efficient light towers.”

The upgrade also includes new AFL goal posts, portable soccer goals and additional landscaping, with four new trees already planted and a further seven scheduled to be added throughout 2026.

Cr Liu said the project would help the city respond to population growth and rising demand for quality recreational infrastructure.

“This important work will help us cater for Melbourne’s fast-growing population – and we want to thank sports clubs, visitors, residents and businesses for their patience while we undertook this project,” she said.

Located within Princes Park, Crawford Oval is a key venue for community sport and informal recreation. The completed works are intended to ensure the ground remains accessible, resilient and fit for purpose year-round, supporting both organised competition and casual use by the wider community. •