Demolition of WACA grandstand complete
Demolition of the Prindiville Stand at the iconic WACA Ground is now complete, making way for an all-abilities playground as part of the WACA Ground Improvement Project.
The demolition took 15 weeks to complete and will transform the venue into an accessible and inclusive community hub that will also include a café, new pavilion, change rooms and offices for WA Cricket.
Local contractor Brajkovich Demolition is committed to recycling up to 95 per cent of the stand's material through crushing facilities and its large salvage yard in the Swan Valley.
WA Cricket has also salvaged museum artefacts, memorabilia and re-usable catering equipment from the decommissioned stand.
Western Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon David Templeman MLA said, “the demolition of the Prindiville Stand is a significant milestone for the WACA Ground Improvement Project and the community more broadly.
“The addition of the all-abilities playground, café, museum and upgraded facilities will enhance the visitor experience and attract more spectators and tourists through its gates.
“I commend WA Cricket for its excellent work in transforming this iconic venue and contributing to the liveability and vibrancy of the eastern end of the city.”
The Prindiville Stand was officially opened in November 1984 as the initial stage of the Ground's first major redevelopment to commemorate the Centenary of the WACA Ground.
Named after Bernie Prindiville, past President of the Western Australian Cricket Association, the stand became home to WA Cricket's administration offices.
Prindiville was a dedicated servant of cricket in WA, who led the fundraising initiatives for the first Test match in Perth in December 1970 and was a key mover in raising $19 million towards the redevelopment of the Ground.
The new administration building will be named after Prindiville, preserving an important part of WA cricketing history.
Another milestone was reached recently, with the first game of Australian rules football played at the ground since the removal of the two hills to lengthen the playing surface.
WAFL club East Fremantle Football Club is playing home matches at the ground for two seasons while their home is being redeveloped. The Sharks won their first home game in front of a crowd of 1,500 on May 28.
WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews said, “too often, sporting facilities are designed with a focus purely on high performance rather than community and the demolition of the Prindiville Stand is a major step towards this ground becoming a place every member of our community, no matter their ability and age, can enjoy and create long-lasting memories.
“Features like the all-abilities playground, café and pavilion will help drive year-round use and create a WACA Ground that's accessible to all.
“We want to thank the State and Federal governments and the City of Perth for their contribution and hard work getting this finalised.”
The WACA Ground Improvement Project is anticipated to create 120 jobs in the construction phase and 250 ongoing jobs when operational.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, Western Australian Cricket Association and Cricket Australia. It is a key part of the Perth City Deal, a joint agreement between the three levels of government.
