Topping Out ceremony at WACA development

Image: City of Perth and WACA Ground

The multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the iconic WACA cricket ground in Perth, Western Australia, has reached a major milestone.

WA Cricket said a Topping Out Ceremony has been held to mark the completion of the highest structural point of the WACA Ground Improvement Project.

The ceremony was held on Level Three of the new state-of-the-art building, taking in panoramic views across the Perth CBD, Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium.

It was attended by project partners and key stakeholders including Deputy Premier and Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti who reaffirmed the WA Government’s commitment to the project with an additional A$15 million allocated in this year’s State Budget.

The 24,500-capacity Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) is a sports stadium in Perth, Western Australia. The stadium’s name derives from the initials of its owners and operators, the Western Australian Cricket Association.
 
The WACA Ground Improvement Project, jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government and City of Perth, in partnership with WA Cricket and Cricket Australia, will deliver:

• Boutique multi-use sport and entertainment venue with 10,000 capacity.
• State-of-the-art high-performance and community sport facilities, including a 10-lane indoor centre.
• A community resort-style aquatic facility, including a six-lane outdoor 50m pool, indoor learn to swim pool and waterslides.
• A public café, with indoor and outdoor seating.
• A community health, fitness and wellbeing facility overlooking the WACA Ground.
• A revitalised museum that honours the rich history and heritage of the WACA Ground and inspires the next generation.
• Infusion of Aboriginal cultural narrative into the planning and design.
• An all-abilities playground and other inclusive facilities.

 
Saffioti said, “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.

“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.

“Importantly, the redevelopment will also provide world-class community facilities and amenity for the growing number of people and families who are moving into the East Perth area.”

WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson said the milestone marks a significant step toward delivering a revitalised WACA Ground that will serve as a world-class sporting, arts and entertainment venue for generations to come.

He said, “Today’s milestone is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when sport, government, and community come together with a shared vision.

“This is more than a cricket project – it’s about creating a precinct that brings people together. We’re proud to be building a space that reflects the spirit and diversity of our community.”

Construction is being led by ADCO Constructions, one of Australia’s leading builders, whose team has worked closely with WA Cricket and project partners on the exciting development.

The WACA Ground Improvement Project is part of the A$1.7 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.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “We are committed to working alongside the Western Australian Government and the City of Perth to deliver infrastructure that benefits the Perth community.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the WACA Ground redevelopment, which will enhance liveability, support economic activity and build on Western Australia’s great sporting legacy.”

Deputy Lord Mayor City of Perth Bruce Reynolds also recognised the important event.

He said, “The revitalisation of this iconic WA sporting institution is a fantastic example of how all levels of government can come together to deliver new, much-needed community facilities.

“With a multitude of city-shaping projects underway, the City of Perth’s $25 million investment in the WACA Ground aquatic facility — as part of the landmark Perth City Deal — is about building a growing, liveable and sustainable capital for generations to come.”

The redevelopment is on track for completion in November 2025.

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