Keep up to date on the latest news around the WACA Ground Improvement Project. WACA Ground Improvement Project moving forward with additional funding secured 19 April 2023 WA Cricket has welcomed the announcement that the State Government will provide an additional $32.2 million in funding for the WACA Ground Improvement Project. We thank the State Government for its ongoing support of WA Cricket as we work towards building our tomorrow through the redevelopment of the iconic WACA Ground. Additional funding from the Australian Government, State Government, WA Cricket Foundation, and Cricket Australia takes total funding commitments to the project to $107.2 million. The funding announced today will be used to ensure the WACA Ground is truly a facility for the whole community. Work is steadily progressing on the WACA Ground Improvement Project with the Inverarity and Prindiville stands both demolished last year, the indoor centre being demolished earlier this year, and the state-of-the-art light tower activation due to be fully complete in the coming weeks. The WACA Ground Improvement Project is one of the most iconic projects being delivered as part of the Perth City Deal. The joint deal between the Australian and State Governments, and the City of Perth is delivering social and community infrastructure to create a more vibrant and activated city and improve local amenity for inner-city residents. A further $22.5 million contribution from the State Government will go towards the on-site aquatic centre which will be jointly funded with the City of Perth, which is itself contributing $25 million. The facility will be open to the public and will include a 50-metre, six-lane pool, cricket-inspired adventure water slides, an indoor learn-to-swim pool, and splashpad for all ages. WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews is excited to see the WACA Ground Improvement Project making great strides forward. “We are thrilled to have confirmation of the additional funding from the State Government which will go towards turning the WACA Ground into a year-round community hub,” Matthews said. “Undertaking a redevelopment of this size is no easy feat, so we thank the State Government for their continued support. “Works are already underway, and this funding will ensure we can continue to move forward and build a world-class inclusive community and sporting facility for all Western Australian’s. “We are fully invested in transforming the WACA Ground into a hub of inclusivity that is focused not only on cricket but also on the needs of the community and this funding goes a long way to us achieving those goals.” Taking the Plunge at the WACA Ground 10 December 2021 Things are looking a little different around here, with work well underway on the WACA Ground Improvement Project. In a huge step towards the future, the Inverarity Stand has been demolished to make way for the new resort-style pool which will help drive year-round use and create an even more iconic Ground. In a nod to the rich legacy of the WACA Ground, the Inverarity Stand will be relocated to a new pavilion, as part of the upgrades, preserving an important part of Western Australian cricketing history. Constructed in 1970 for the very first men’s test match played in Perth, it was originally called the Test Stand before being renamed in 1985 after former WA cricket captain John Inverarity. The state-of-the-art aquatic centre will breathe new life into the East Perth precinct with the 50-metre, six lane pool enjoying uninterrupted views of the pitch. Every age is catered for, with waterslides snaking around one of the iconic light towers and into three separate plunge pools, as well as a splash pad for kids and 25-metre indoor learn-to-swim pool. “It’s fantastic that the aquatic facility will go ahead in the Ground Improvements, it will play a huge part in creating a community and sporting hub here at the WACA Ground” said WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews. “We want to thank the State and Federal governments and the City of Perth for their contribution and hard work getting this finalised,” she said. The WACA Ground Improvement Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, City of Perth, WA Cricket and Cricket Australia. The project is a key part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, a joint agreement between the three levels of government. Ground Improvement Project commences 19 August 2021 Work has commenced on the long-awaited upgrades to the iconic Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground. Premier Mark McGowan, WA Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti, WA Minister for Sport and Recreation Tony Buti, Federal Assistant Minister for Defence and WA MP Andrew Hastie and WA Cricket Chair Hon. Terry (Tuck) Waldron marked the start of construction on the WACA upgrade project today. The WACA Ground Improvement Project is part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, to help ensure the long-term prosperity and liveability of Perth and drive the city’s economic, social and environmental sustainability. Local company Brajkovich Construction has been awarded the contract for early works, which will start with lengthening the WACA Ground oval to enable WAFL and other sports to return in mid-2022. The works include the demolition of the Inverarity Stand, with the 50-year-old structure no longer fit for purpose and in need of rejuvenation. When demolition of the neighbouring Prindiville Stand is completed in 2022, construction will begin on creating a sustainable community and sporting hub, with cricket at its heart. Brajkovich Construction has previous experience working with WA Cricket, having been commissioned to demolish the Farley Stand in 2002. The accessible and inclusive design celebrates Western Australia’s local indigenous culture and reflects the proud sporting history of the WACA Ground. The project team are also working hard to ensure works do not interrupt this season’s international and domestic cricket fixtures. The Ground Improvement Project is anticipated to take around 18 months. Quotes attributable to Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan: “Many Western Australians have fond memories of visiting the WACA, with so many iconic sporting moments at international and domestic level taking place over the decades at our home of cricket. “These upgrades are the result of the strong collaboration between the Federal and State Governments and WA Cricket - and will breathe new life into the facility, encourage more people to visit, return vibrancy to this part of the city, and support local jobs.” Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP: “The Morrison Government has committed $30 million towards the revitalisation of the iconic WACA, which will have far reaching benefits for generations to come by continuing to support local jobs, sport, and culture in the city. “The project is a key component of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, which is providing much-needed community infrastructure that will reinvigorate the CBD, improve liveability and sustainability for local residents and support private investment.” Quotes attributable to WA Planning Minister, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA: “I have many fond memories of coming to the WACA as a child to watch the cricket and I can’t wait to see the upgrades take shape and return vibrancy and excitement to this pocket of East Perth. “The State Government is committed to delivering an aquatic facility as part of this project, and will continue to work with the Commonwealth and WA Cricket to make this happen as part of the overall project.” Quotes attributable to WA Sports and Recreation Minister, the Hon Tony Buti MLA: “The McGowan Government is contributing $30m to this important project, with Perth to benefit from a versatile new facility that will be used for community events, sporting fixtures and improving the general well-being of local residents. “Not only will the WACA Ground continue to be a destination for cricket and other sports, but as a facility for the wider community that can be enjoyed year-round.” Quotes attributable Federal Member for Canning, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP: “The rejuvenation of the WACA Ground under the Perth City Deal demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best in infrastructure in the West, supporting our community now and into the future. “Perth and her surrounds will continue to grow and prosper as a direct result of the Perth City Deal bringing jobs and ensuring that venues like the WACA Ground remain world class Quotes attributable to WA Cricket Chair Hon Tuck Waldron: “This project has been years in the making and we would not be standing here today if weren’t for the tireless work of many behind the scenes. “I want to take this opportunity to thank the State and Federal Governments and Cricket Australia for all their support and collaboration.”
