Work begins on upgrades to Perth’s historic WACA ground

Work has commenced on the long-awaited upgrades to the famous Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground in East Perth.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, Western Australian Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti, Western Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation Tony Buti, Federal Assistant Minister for Defence and local MP Andrew Hastie and the WACA Chair Terry Waldron marked the start of construction on the WACA upgrade project yesterday.

Part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, early works on the WACA Ground Improvement Project are being undertake by local company Brajkovich Construction which will start with lengthening the WACA Ground oval to enable WAFL and other sports to return in mid-2022.

The works include the demolition of the Inverarity Stand, with the 50-year-old structure no longer fit for purpose and in need of rejuvenation.

When demolition of the neighbouring Prindiville Stand is completed in 2022, construction will begin on creating a sustainable community and sporting hub, with cricket at its heart.

Brajkovich Construction has previous experience working with the WACA, having been commissioned to demolish the Farley Stand in 2002.

The accessible and inclusive design celebrates Western Australia's local indigenous culture and reflects the proud sporting history of the WACA Ground.

The project team is also working hard to ensure works do not interrupt this season's international and domestic cricket fixtures.

The Ground Improvement Project, which still includes an aquatic facility despite the City of Perth ending its involvement in the project, is anticipated to take around 18 months.

Commenting on the project, Premier McGowan stated "many Western Australians have fond memories of visiting the WACA, with so many iconic sporting moments at international and domestic level taking place over the decades at our home of cricket.

"These upgrades are the result of the strong collaboration between the Federal and State Governments and the WACA - and will breathe new life into the facility, encourage more people to visit, return vibrancy to this part of the city, and support local jobs."

Explaining the ongoing commitment to include an aquatic facility in the development, Minister Saffioti added "the state government is committed to delivering an aquatic facility as part of this project, and will continue to work with the Commonwealth and WACA to make this happen as part of the overall project."