WACA Ground improvement project hits major milestone as structural components of 50-metre pool complete

Interim WA Cricket chief executive Justin Michael says the first year of John Stephenson’s tenure will be critical to completing the WACA Ground improvement project.

Michael is preparing to hand the reigns over next month at a crucial time for the organisation, with its $163 million facelift of its famous home on track to be completed before next summer.

Long-time boss Christina Matthews left her post at the end of last season.

Michael said Stephenson’s arrival and him overseeing the final stages of the project would be “extremely important” as the organisation continues to raise cash to make up a funding shortfall.

“We have been briefing John along the way,” he said.

“I think John comes with a wealth of experience from Lords, the MCC, where he worked 17 years there and working on the various redevelopments of that iconic ground and more recently at Essex as CEO.

“His expertise are going to be so important and we have got great expertise here in WA Cricket as well, which we are going to support him to deliver this project this time next year, which is going to be amazing.”

The structural components of the 50-metre lap pool overlooking the playing surface has now been installed, with stairs wrapping around the ground’s north-west light tower ready for a giant waterslide to be added.

Construction on the new state-of-the-art indoor training centre is now set to get underway.

It has also been confirmed lead contamination in the soil, which caused an unexpected $4 million blowout, has been removed.

The facility is on track for practical completion in July next year.

WA Cricket is still facing a $7 million funding shortfall for the project, but Michael said they are “definitely” confident of reaching the mark.

The improvement project was originally priced at $75-$105m, upgraded to $110m and is now at $163m due to rising construction costs and delays, largely caused by COVID.

“We have raised four-million dollars to date, with further fundraising happening through our WA Cricket Foundation and we are in discussions around naming rights partners for various assets around the WACA Ground as well to make up our contribution,” he said.

“We have got 12 months to do that, we have done very well, we have got various initiatives at the moment.

“We have had to use our own cash and cash reserves, which we have been building over the years in the lead-up to this development and now we’re ready to build and iconic $169 million asset which is going to be a shining light for WA Cricket.”

Michael declared the facilities would be “the most inclusive” and the best cricket centre in the country.

Star WA allrounder Hilton Cartwright, who is one year into a four-year construction management degree, has been completing an internship on the site.