The $154.7 million redevelopment of the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground, designed by Cox Architecture and Plan E, is one step closer to taking shape following endorsement from the Board of WA Cricket.
The ground, which was last redeveloped in 2002, will reduce its capacity from 20,000 to 10,000.
Plans show a new pavilion at the northern end of the ground, a community resort-style six-lane 50-metre pool on the outer rim of the field, a 25-metre indoor learn to swim pool, tiered seating and shaded open grass spaces.
$154.7 million redevelopment of the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground has been endorsed.
Image: Cox Architecture
Offering a suite amenities for community use year-round, the complex will house a public health and fitness facility with a sports medicine and rehabilitation centre, high performance cricket centre with 10-lane indoor cricket centre, childcare and creche provisions, a museum, café and function centre, as well as accesible features, such as sensory rooms and an all-abilities playground.
The multi-sports arena will have the ability to be transformed into a live entertainment and performance venue.
Constructon is underway with two stands, the Inverarity and Prindiville, which were demolished to make room for the pavilion. The indoor centre was demolished in early 2023, the light towers refurbished and the oval increased in length to facilitate the return of football at the venue. The Lillee-Marsh Stand, Players’ Pavilion and South West Pavilion will be retained.
The vision behind the design is to provide a multi-use, inclusive community and high performance sporting space with wide-reaching social and health benefits to the East Perth region. The museum’s revitalization will seek to reflect the history of the ground by honouring the sport, sporting legends and the traditional owners of the land on which the arena sits.
A First Nations narrative will also be integrated into the design of the project.
The project is a key part of the Perth City Deal, a tripartite funding arrangement between the federal and state governments and the City of Perth. In April 2023, the WA government announced it would provide an additional $32.2 million in funding on top of the $30 million it had already committed to. Total funding for the WACA Ground Improvement Project is $107.2 million, with the Australian government, WA government, WA Cricket Foundation, and Cricket Australia all contributing to the project. A further $47.5 million has been allocated to the development of hte aquatic facility.
The Ground Improvement Project is expected to be completed by September 2024.
