Perth: The latest vision for the WACA Ground Improvement Project has been unveiled today, which will transform the iconic East Perth venue into a community, sporting and tourist hub.
The designs released today mark a major milestone for the WACA Ground Improvement Project, following the $30 million funding commitments from both the Australian and Western Australian governments, $11 million from WACA plus a $4 million contribution from Cricket Australia.
The final design illustrates how the original home of cricket in WA will become a sustainable boutique community and sporting venue, capable of hosting 10,000 people to bring vibrancy to the East Perth precinct while honouring the rich history of the Ground.
In a major boost to the East Perth area, the facility will support community use year-round, adding much-needed amenity for the growing CBD population.
The development will also facilitate a new state-of-the-art inner city swimming pool. The CBD aquatic centre proposal has been discussed for decades, and will bring Perth into line with other major cities across Australia by ensuring residents can enjoy a central swimming pool.
Two current stands – the Inverarity and Prindiville stands – will be demolished to make way for a new central pavilion at the northern entrance. The current Lillee-Marsh Stand, players’ pavilion and south west pavilion will be retained.
Other features of the WACA Ground Improvement Project include:
- Replacing the existing Prindiville and Inverarity grandstands with a new central pavilion containing new food and beverage outlets and spectator amenities;
- Upgraded sports lighting;
- Lengthening the oval to accommodate other sports such as Australian Rules Football;
- Dedicated facilities for elite players including a new indoor multi-sport facility;
- A purpose built WACA museum;
- Community sports medicine and rehabilitation centre;
- Community health club;
- A multi-purpose function centre;
- An auditorium and meeting rooms.
- The Western Australian Cricket Association anticipates early works will start before the beginning of the 2021-22 cricket season, with completion expected for early 2024.
The project is being funded under the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, a ground-breaking partnership between the Australian and WA Governments and the City of Perth.
While releasing the design Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher MP siad, “The WACA revitalisation is part of a wider investment in the Perth CBD under the $1.5 billion City Deal, adding much-needed local assets like an aquatic centre and indoor sports facility to drive more visitors into the city while bolstering amenity and liveability for residents.”
“This is part of a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of Perth CBD, with a shared vision to create an inner-city university campus, boost transport connections and revitalise forgotten pockets of the city, while creating and supporting local jobs,” added WA Planning Minister, Rita Saffioti MLA.