WACA stand demolished making way for all-abilities playground

The Prindiville Stand at the WACA Ground is now completely demolished, making way for an all-abilities playground as part of the $115 million WACA Ground Improvement Project (WGIP)

The WGIP is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, City of Perth, WA Cricket and Cricket Australia.

The demolition took 15 weeks to complete and will transform the venue into an accessible and inclusive community hub that as well as an all-abilities playground will also include a café, new pavilion, change rooms and offices for WA Cricket.

Local contractor Brajkovich Demolition is committed to recycling up to 95% of the stand's material through crushing facilities and its large salvage yard in the Swan Valley. WA Cricket has also salvaged museum artefacts, memorabilia and re-usable catering equipment from the decommissioned stand.

The Prindiville Stand was officially opened in November 1984 as the initial stage of the Ground's first major redevelopment to commemorate the Centenary of the WACA Ground. Named after Bernie Prindiville, past President of the Western Australian Cricket Association, the stand became home to WA Cricket's administration offices.

Prindiville was a dedicated servant of cricket in WA, who led the fundraising initiatives for the first Test match in Perth in December 1970 and was a key mover in raising $19 million towards the redevelopment of the Ground.

The new administration building will be named after Prindiville, preserving an important part of WA cricketing history.

Western Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation, David Templeman advised "the demolition of the Prindiville Stand is a significant milestone for the WACA Ground Improvement Project and the community more broadly.

"The addition of the all-abilities playground, café, museum and upgraded facilities will enhance the visitor experience and attract more spectators and tourists through its gates.

"I commend WA Cricket for its excellent work in transforming this iconic venue and contributing to the liveability and vibrancy of the eastern end of the city."

WA Cricket Chief Executive, Christina Matthews added "too often, sporting facilities are designed with a focus purely on high performance rather than community and the demolition of the Prindiville Stand is a major step towards this ground becoming a place every member of our community, no matter their ability and age, can enjoy and create long-lasting memories.

"Features like the all-abilities playground, café and pavilion will help drive year-round use and create a WACA Ground that's accessible to all.

The WGIP commenced in August 2021 with the oval lengthening to accommodate Australian rules football, with the East Fremantle Sharks calling the WACA Ground home for the next two Western Australian Football League (WAFL) seasons.

The Inverarity Stand was demolished end last year to make way for the resort-style swimming pools and the light towers currently being upgraded to new LED coloured lights.

Perth Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas, who has previously opposed the new aquatic centre, commented “(our) capital contribution towards the WACA aquatic facility demonstrates our commitment to building a swimming pool in East Perth and to the Perth City deal.

"This is a significant development for East Perth residents and for visitors to the City of Perth.”

Images: Stills from Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) video courtesy facebook.com/wacricket