- WACA Ground redevelopment looks to be transformed into a community, sporting and tourist hub
- Federal and State Government have committed $30 million in funding
- Completion is expected for early 2024
The featured image on this article is the latest vision for the WACA Ground Improvement Project, which is set to transform the iconic East Perth venue into a community, sporting, and tourist hub.
Both the Australian and West Australian Governments have committed $30 million of funding, in addition to $11 million from WACA and a $4 million contribution from Cricket Australia.
The original proposal argued that the WACA Ground has failed to keep pace with modern requirements and community expectations, and hence the aging infrastructure requires significant investment.
The new design aims to create a sustainable community and sporting venue to capitalise on the growth of sports in the East Perth community, capable of hosting 10,000 people. The development will also accommodate a new state-of-the-art swimming pool.
The project will also include upgraded sports lighting, lengthening the oval to accommodate other sports such as AFL, a purpose-built WACA museum, a community health club, multi-purpose function centre and a community sports medicine and rehabilitation centre.
The Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP claimed Perth will benefit for generations to come from this “game-changing” investment.
“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.”
Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts
WA Sport and Recreation Minister, the Hon Tony Buti MLA added that Perth will benefit from the variety of new facilities that will be used for community events, sporting fixtures and improving the general wellbeing of local residents.
“The State Government is proud to invest in the WACA Ground Improvement Project, and like the rest of the community, I look forward to enjoying the facility in the future.”
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.
