The Western Australian Cricket Association’s vision to transform the WACA Ground into a sustainable community and sporting hub with cricket at its heart will now become a reality thanks to a $30 million funding investment from the State Government.
This commitment from the State Government is the final piece of the puzzle for the WACA Ground Improvement Project which aims to revitalise the home of cricket in Western Australia to become a boutique community and sporting destination that will bring the East Perth precinct to life.
It will honour the rich history of the Ground and ensure that it can continue to serve the needs of WA cricket and sport into the future, with wide-ranging benefits for other sports, including Australian rules football, and the WA community at large.
The project includes high performance, training and administration facilities, a 10-lane indoor cricket facility, reinvigorated museum and year-round access for the WA community.
In addition to this investment, the Federal Government has committed $30 million towards the Project, Cricket Australia will provide $4 million and the WACA will raise another $10 million through the WA Cricket Foundation.
The WACA is exploring an exciting opportunity to partner with the City of Perth to incorporate an aquatic facility into the WACA Ground Improvement Project plans, including a 50-metre pool, a learn to swim pool and a leisure slide.
The Ground will be reshaped as a 10,000-capacity boutique venue, which will complement Optus Stadium and its design will pay homage to the traditional owners of the land on which it sits.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. Mick Murray MLA said;
“With an historic, reimagined WACA Ground sitting just across the river from the ultra-modern Optus Stadium, there will be no better setup in the world for cricket.
“The Ground is a famous sporting icon that needs to be preserved and this commitment will help ensure its future and make it accessible for everyone in the community.”
WACA Chair Tuck Waldron said;
“It’s a great day for cricket in WA, and this funding will go a long way in helping us bring our vision for the iconic venue to life through the WACA Ground Improvement Project.
“We are now one step closer to transforming the much-loved WACA Ground into a high-quality venue not only for cricket and other sports, but entertainment and community events too, which will help energise the East Perth area.
“We are committed to raising the remaining $10 million through the WA Cricket Foundation to ensure this development offers incredible experiences and creates long-lasting memories for the WA community into the future.”
WACA CEO Christina Matthews said;
“We are thrilled the State Government has committed $30 million funding for our Project. We are so grateful to Minister Murray, the Premier and all the Ministers and Members of State Parliament who have provided ongoing support of cricket in WA and for the WACA Ground Improvement Project.
“The WACA Ground is a world-renowned and much-loved cultural icon and now we can ensure that cricket lovers and the whole WA community can continue to make cherished memories at the WACA Ground.
“This funding commitment will allow the WACA Ground to become the community and sporting hub we always knew it could be.”
Interim CEO of Cricket Australia Nick Hockley said;
“This announcement is a significant moment for cricket in Western Australia and on behalf of Cricket Australia I would like to thank the State Government for their support.
“This project is critically important to the future success of WA and Australian Cricket, and we thank Premier McGowan, Minster Murray and their state colleagues for their commitment to our sport and for sharing our vision to transform this historic ground.”