WACA announces ground improvement project

As part of a $1.5 billion Perth City Deal funded by the Federal and State Governments and the City of Perth and with additional funding from Cricket Australia and the WA Cricket Foundation, the WGIP will have significant and wide-reaching benefits by providing an inclusive community and sporting space in the East Perth Precinct.

Thanks to its funding partners, WA Cricket has already secured $154.7 million for the project, and through the WA Cricket Foundation will raise the remainder.

The iconic WACA Ground will be transformed into a 10,000 seat, multi-sport and community facility that:

• Extends the aboriginal cultural narrative from Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium
• Drives improved community and social outcomes
• Recognises the WACA’s history and rich cricketing heritage
• Maintains the facility’s ICC Accreditation as an International Cricket Venue
• Complements and drives WA Cricket Foundation’s inclusion programs
• Delivers jobs and liveability outcomes for East Perth.

Project highlights

Highlights of the WGIP include a community resort style pool, public health and fitness facility, high performance cricket centre, childcare and creche facilities, state of the art museum, café and event and function facilities.

Inclusion features of the WGIP such as sensory rooms, all abilities playground and ‘changing places’ change-rooms will make the WACA Ground one of the most accessible community spaces and drive further engagement in our WA Cricket Foundation inclusion programs.

The design will reflect and incorporate the proud heritage and history of the WACA Ground. The reinvigorated museum will honour the rich cricket, sporting and entertainment history of the Ground and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which it sits.

ALSD International 2023 is being hosted at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, October 9-10. Optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions is the key focus of this industry-leading event, with architecture & design, fan experience, hospitality, premium seating, sustainability and technology taking centre stage.

The Inverarity and Prindiville Stands are currently being removed to make way for one central structure and pavilion on the northern end of the Ground. The Lillee-Marsh Stand, Players’ Pavilion and South West Pavilion will be retained for their remaining useful life.

WA Cricket is implementing a cultural narrative that infuses Aboriginal culture into the planning and design process in recognition of the traditional owners of the land on which the WACA Ground resides. The WACA Ground site has long been used to connect people through sharing food, stories and ceremony and is still today a place of coming together.

WA Cricket is confident that the WACA Ground Improvement Project will have significant and wide-reaching benefits and will ensure that the WACA Ground will continue to prosper and service the needs of the cricket and wider community into the future.

WACA Ground Improvement Project schematic design unveiled.

The WACA Ground Improvement Project will deliver:
• Transformation of East Perth into a vibrant activated precinct that can be enjoyed by the community year-round, increasing the visability and accessibility of this iconic Ground.
• One of the most welcoming all abilities sport venues in the country.
• A new pavilion at the northern side of the Ground, that will include administration for WA Cricket and the Polly Farmer Foundation.
• A multi-purpose function and event centre with outside deck overlooking Gloucester Park and seating with unparalleled views of the iconic WACA surface.
• 10,000 seat venue with flexibility to hold live entertainment and sporting events.
• Infusion of Aboriginal cultural narrative into the planning and design of the WGIP.
• A community resort style pool, including a six lane 50m pool, 25m indoor learn to swim pool and water leisure slides and activities.
• Dedicated high performance facilities for elite players, including gym, change rooms and recovery facilities.
• A 10-lane indoor cricket, multi-sport and performance centre.
• A community health, fitness and wellbeing facility overlooking the Ground.
• A public café, with indoor and outdoor seating.
• 130 seat auditorium and multi-purpose meeting rooms.
• Lengthening of the iconic oval to welcome the return of football, including the WA Football League and other sports.
• A state-of-the-art museum that honours the rich history and heritage of the WACA Ground.
• Community sports medicine and rehabilitation centre, potentially including an after-hours GP clinic.
• Supporting all abilities of the community with sensory rooms, changing places and all-abilities playground.
• Much needed childcare facilities in East Perth and creche.

Click here for a brochure on the WACA Ground Improvement Project.

View the Development Applications for the WACA Ground Improvement Project:

Development Application

Development Application – Aquatic Facility

Development Application – Appendices

• Progress
• Funding
• Tenders