Work has commenced on the long-awaited upgrades to the iconic Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground.
Premier Mark McGowan, WA Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti, WA Minister for Sport and Recreation Tony Buti, Federal Assistant Minister for Defence and WA MP Andrew Hastie and the WACA Chair Terry (Tuck) Waldron marked the start of construction on the WACA upgrade project today.
The WACA Ground Improvement Project is part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, to help ensure the long-term prosperity and liveability of Perth and drive the city's economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Local company Brajkovich Construction has been awarded the contract for early works, 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 is anticipated to take around 18 months.
As stated by Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan:
"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."
As stated by Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:
"The Morrison Government has committed $30 million towards the revitalisation of the iconic WACA, which will have far reaching benefits for generations to come by continuing to support local jobs, sport, and culture in the city.
"The project is a key component of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, which is providing much-needed community infrastructure that will reinvigorate the CBD, improve liveability and sustainability for local residents and support private investment."
As stated by WA Planning Minister, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA:
"I have many fond memories of coming to the WACA as a child to watch the cricket and I can't wait to see the upgrades take shape and return vibrancy and excitement to this pocket of East Perth.
"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."
As stated by WA Sport and Recreation Minister, the Hon Tony Buti MLA:
"The McGowan Government is contributing $30m to this important project, with Perth to benefit from a versatile new facility that will be used for community events, sporting fixtures and improve the general well-being of local residents.
"Not only will the WACA continue to be a destination for cricket and other sports, but as a facility for the wider community that can be enjoyed year-round."
As stated by Federal Member for Canning, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP:
"The rejuvenation of the WACA under the Perth City Deal demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best in infrastructure in the West, supporting our community now and into the future.
"Perth and her surrounds will continue to grow and prosper as a direct result of the Perth City Deal bringing jobs and ensuring that venues like the WACA remain world class."
As stated by WACA Chair Hon Tuck Waldron:
"It's fantastic to see the iconic Perth venue enter a new era.
"This project has been years in the making and we would not be standing here today if it weren't for the tireless work of many behind the scenes.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank the State and Federal Governments for all their support and collaboration."
