The WACA, but not as we know it: A future vision emerges for Perth’s iconic cricket ground
There is an arms race happening in Australian cricket.
State associations including Western Australia are jostling for state and federal funds to upgrade ageing infrastructure.
$40 million has already been spent on the Junction Oval in Melbourne so it can host Sheffield Shield games and become the training and administrative base for Cricket Victoria, as well as Big Bash teams the Melbourne Rebels and Melbourne Renegades.
Queensland Cricket is redeveloping Allan Border field, while New South Wales is set to invest in a $50 million cricket facility away from the SCG.
Now, after more than a decade of trying, things are looking more promising for the WACA Ground.
"The longer we go without upgrading our core business facilities, so our high-performance, gym, indoor centre, it does make it harder," WACA CEO Christina Matthews said.
"It just means that we are falling further and further back.
"Those things don't necessarily make you successful, but they give the players a much bigger chance."
A WACA Ground for the people
Top-tier cricket games moved to the new Perth Stadium earlier this year, meaning Big Bash games as well as most Tests and one-day internationals will be played there.
With Burswood now in operation, the scope and scale of a WACA Ground redevelopment has changed significantly, because it is now more for training and administration than getting people through the gate.
It means the future of the venue and its surrounds will be community-minded, in a similar style to the Fremantle Dockers' headquarters at Cockburn and the new West Coast Eagles base at Lathlain.
"Our intention is, as much as possible, to make everything we do community-oriented," Ms Matthew said.
And there is a market for it. While there is a growing population in the Perth city centre, there is also a lack of public amenity.
If a Perth resident wants to swim some laps at a public pool, they must leave the city and go to the suburbs.
There is no dedicated recreation centre either.
Fresh push for public money
A redeveloped, community-minded WACA Ground could help fill that void, in addition to serving as a venue for state and women's cricket.
"We will be looking to develop a public gym. Other areas we will be looking at are children's play areas, and the indoor cricket centre will be available for community use," Ms Matthews said.
"And we will be redoing our museum, and that will have a cafe and shop with it."
The City of Perth is involved in discussions about the ground's future, and the WACA has already set up a foundation, chaired by Bob Every, for supporters to make philanthropic donations to help with the redevelopment and the association's other community programs.
Talks with the State Government are progressing too, said Ms Matthews.
"With changes to the economy … we would be hopeful of working with them over the next six to 12 months to get some funding to help us on our way," she said.
Light towers face unclear future
But there could be some casualties.
The light towers that have been a beacon in the city since they were installed in 1986 are no certainty to remain.
"I think if they have to go in some sort of development, that would just be what happens," Ms Mathews said.
"But hopefully that doesn't have to happen because I think people have an emotional attachment with them.
It may be a small price to pay to ensure the future of the iconic ground.
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