The Western Australian government has reinforced its commitment to the landmark WACA Ground Improvement Project, allocating an additional $15 million in the latest state budget.
This significant funding boost comes as the redevelopment celebrates the Topping Out milestone, marking the completion of the highest structural point and signalling that the project is on track for completion later this year.
The WACA Ground Improvement Project is a major joint initiative, with funding from the state and federal governments, the City of Perth, WA Cricket, and Cricket Australia.
Once finished, the venue will transform into a boutique, multi-use sport and entertainment facility with a 10,000-person capacity.
The redevelopment will also introduce state-of-the-art high-performance and community sport amenities, including a 10-lane indoor centre, and a community aquatic facility featuring a six-lane outdoor 50-metre pool, an indoor learn-to-swim pool, and waterslides.
Further enhancements include a public café with both indoor and outdoor seating, a community health, fitness and wellbeing centre overlooking the ground, and a revitalised museum that will honour the WACA’s rich heritage.
The project also promises inclusive features, such as an all-abilities playground, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community.
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti highlighted the broader impact of the redevelopment, stating: “Our government’s record investment in sporting infrastructure is helping to support iconic projects like the WACA Ground Improvement Project, to service a growing inner-city community and support cricket across all levels.”
She added: “We have a long and proud cricket history in this state, and this huge redevelopment of the famous WACA Ground will support our cricketers for many years to come.”
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey emphasised the importance of such projects for a growing Perth, noting: “As the population of our inner city increases, projects like the WACA Ground improvement are crucial to ensuring the community has access to facilities that meet demand.”
He described the redevelopment as “transformative for the east end of our city,” especially alongside other government-backed projects like the new East Perth Primary School and ECU City Campus.
