The WACA - Downfall

[Billy ray]

They still won’t fix the main reason for spectator frustration!

 

[Teen Wolf]

Article on the WACA website still makes mention of "Reduced capacity Ground with new shade solutions."

Some more pictures (first one is just for a closer look at the ridiculous waterslide), taken from the project page and the brochure that can be downloaded from there:

 

[Rob]

It's never going to host enough people to warrant permanent shade structures anyway. At most maybe 2-3000 at a WAFL game or a day of cricket.

 

[Teen Wolf]

It's never going to host enough people to warrant permanent shade structures anyway. At most maybe 2-3000 at a WAFL game or a day of cricket.

But if "a target of increasing attendance at WBBL matches hosted at the WACA Ground to 10,000" is spruiked to secure funding (which it was), then they are obligated to cater for that, even if it's an unrealistic target.

And, for the record, I don't really think it is an unrealistic target if the venue is appropriately shaded (though it would also take better scheduling from CA in general).

 

[Rob]

But if "a target of increasing attendance at WBBL matches hosted at the WACA Ground to 10,000" is spruiked to secure funding (which it was), then they are obligated to cater for that, even if it's an unrealistic target.

And, for the record, I don't really think it is an unrealistic target if the venue is appropriately shaded (though it would also take better scheduling from CA in general).

Maybe for a final, but I can't see 10k being a realistic target for a normal WBBL game.
AFLW games perhaps? The eagles might get 5k+ if they were a decent team.

 

[Teen Wolf]

Maybe for a final, but I can't see 10k being a realistic target for a normal WBBL game.

I don't see why not, the Scorchers have already had attendances of around 5k several times before.

AFLW games perhaps? The eagles might get 5k+ if they were a decent team.

Well we know it's not going to host AFLW games. Nevertheless, Fremantle get 5k+ to normal games when they're decent, at a ground which at least one guy on here (can't remember his name but it's something short like Kip, or Ned) has said a lack of shade discourages him from attending...

 

[RedV3x]

Nevertheless, Fremantle get 5k+ to normal games when they're decent, at a ground which at least one guy on here has said a lack of shade discourages him from attending...

In winter - not likely. I treasure those cool sunny days.

 

[Teen Wolf]

Expecting to get confirmation of a women's Test match in September against India... soon.

 

[The Victorian]

When is the redevelopment meant to happen?

 

[RedV3x]

Expecting to get confirmation of a women's Test match in September against India... soon.

I'm sure that's going to be popular with the public and Mr. border-closure himself.

 

[Teen Wolf]

When is the redevelopment meant to happen?

WACA Ground Improvement Project | WACA Western Australia Cricket Association

www.waca.com.au

When will the WGIP commence construction?
Development approval for the demolition of the Inverarity and Prindiville Stands were lodged with Development WA in December 2020.

Once the WACA receives development approval for the demolition of these stands, it is intended that the early works will commence before the start of the 2021-22 season.

The schematic design stage was completed on 16 March 2021 and it is intended that the design and plans be submitted to Development WA on the 31 March 2021.

Construction is scheduled to commence towards the end of 2021.

How long will the construction take to complete?
The construction will commence in late 2021 with anticipated completion in early 2024.

 

[The Victorian]

WACA Ground Improvement Project | WACA Western Australia Cricket Association

www.waca.com.au

So the Women's International Test won't be affected! great!!

 

[big_e]

Good news. The pool is dead.



WACA pool: Mark McGowan livid as City of Perth council backs out of project
Michael TraillThe West Australian
Tue, 6 July 2021 9:55PMComments


The City of Perth council has unanimously voted to walk away from a deal to deliver a new pool at the WACA — with even new WA Tourism chair Di Bain voting against the proposal.

In an embarrassing defeat for the McGowan Government, the entire council decided to rip up a deal reached under the previous State-appointed commissioners that would have committed $25 million collected from council fees towards a redevelopment at the ground that included a public swimming pool.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas described the proposed pool as a “bolted-on afterthought” and “financially irresponsible”.

“A six-lane pool, wedged between the last row of the seats and a light tower at the cricket with no shade is not the best we can do for the City of Perth,” he said.

“And while, yes I agree, a function of local government is to provide amenities for its ratepayers and residents, that amenity can not come at any cost.”

A furious Mark McGowan said his government was still committed to a WACA pool.

The Premier said the council’s decision to walk away from the deal “failed the local community”.

“The council has gone back on an agreement put in place between the City, the Federal Government and the State Government,” he said.

“This is part of the broader $1.5 billion Perth City Deal funded by the State, Commonwealth and private sector, with the City only required to contribute $35 million to the overall package.

“The City has a misguided view that they don’t need to be part of a $1.5 billion package for our city.”

Perth’s State-appointed commissioners had committed $25m towards the $100m WACA redevelopment in September.

In March, the council decided to investigate a business plan for an aquatic facility at the East Perth ground before handing $25m towards to the works.

Cr Bain, appointed to the plum tourism post by the McGowan Government last week, said a pool at the WACA Ground had the potential to “trigger a building boom” but ultimately voted to walk away from the deal, too.

A business plan by ACIL Allen found there was no evidence of “unmet need”, with several similar facilities found in neighbouring local government areas.

Revenue raised by the WACA from the pool would not be split with the City of Perth under the proposal. City chief executive Michelle Reynolds urged council not to back the agreement, citing ACIL Allen’s finding that Perth ratepayers would spend $120.8m subsidising the pool over its lifespan.

Ms Reynolds said the $25m initial capital costs for the pool had blown out to an estimated $31.2m.

 

[Billy ray]

huzzah!

 

[kranger]

Media statements | Western Australian Government

Media statements

www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Perth City Deal’s WACA upgrade underway
Thursday, 19 August 2021

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.

 

[The Victorian]

Media statements | Western Australian Government

Media statements

www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

Perth City Deal’s WACA upgrade underway
Thursday, 19 August 2021

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.

Great news. Ready for WAFL finals 2022 and AFLW 2022/23

 

[big_e]

Great news. Ready for WAFL finals 2022 and AFLW 2022/23

Is there any evidence the WAFL actually wants to play there?

 

[CrazyJoeFevola]

Great news. Ready for WAFL finals 2022 and AFLW 2022/23

Is the AFLW moving from summer?

 

[kranger]

Based on recent WAFL grand final attendances, perhaps the upgraded WACA with the temp seats for a capacity of 15,000 would be the perfect venue.



The vibe of a full WACA would be great, compared to the two-thirds empty Optus Stadium.

And if the demand of spectators exceeds the supply of seats, it might help to garnish talk of wanting to attend and get other people watching on the tele as a result.

 

[kranger]

Is there any evidence the WAFL actually wants to play there?

Work to upgrade WACA Ground commences

The long-awaited redevelopment of the WACA is underway, starting with the lengthening of the ground, to allow Australian football to be played at the iconic Perth venue once again.

www.austadiums.com

“East Fremantle will host WAFL matches at the venue for the next two seasons while their home ground, East Fremantle Oval, is redeveloped.”

 

[big_e]

Work to upgrade WACA Ground commences

The long-awaited redevelopment of the WACA is underway, starting with the lengthening of the ground, to allow Australian football to be played at the iconic Perth venue once again.

www.austadiums.com

“East Fremantle will host WAFL matches at the venue for the next two seasons while their home ground, East Fremantle Oval, is redeveloped.”

And after that?

 

[its been done]

And after that?

WAFL Finals/Grand Final venue I assume plus a possible Magic Round much like the NRL at Suncorp on a weekend when the AFL don't have a game scheduled at Optus. Maybe local district league Grand Finals plus representative games too

 

[big_e]

WAFL Finals/Grand Final venue I assume plus a possible Magic Round much like the NRL at Suncorp on a weekend when the AFL don't have a game scheduled at Optus. Maybe local district league Grand Finals plus representative games too

But has there been any indication at all that the WAFL is interested in any of that? There was about a hundred people in the photo with the shovels last week - none from footy.

 

[RedV3x]

WAFL Finals/Grand Final venue I assume plus a possible Magic Round much like the NRL at Suncorp on a weekend when the AFL don't have a game scheduled at Optus. Maybe local district league Grand Finals plus representative games too

The WAFL are interested in promoting football at football locations first.

 

[Sammoll]

Any indication the WACA could host any Eagles AFLW games? Looks ideal for it