Cricket: WACA set for massive redevelopment

The WACA has been given the green light from its members to go ahead with an ambitious redevelopment that would see commercial and residential towers built at the iconic cricket ground.

The resolution, put to members last night, was passed with 95 per cent approval, meaning construction on the first tower could begin as early as next March.

The WACA has been granted approval from the East Perth Redevelopment Authority to build four 20-storey residential and commercial towers, one 10-storey commercial block, and an eight-storey residential development within the WACA Ground precinct.

The final capacity of the ground is expected to be reduced to about 18,000, but the WACA is confident the profits generated from the redevelopment will fund the future of WA cricket.

"For WACA members to vote overwhelmingly in favour of the planned redevelopment is one of the most significant events in the history of cricket in this state," WACA chief executive Graeme Wood said.

"The redevelopment of the WACA Ground will be achieved without taxpayer or Government contributions and provide the best return on investment in the use of WACA land.

"We will also be able to accommodate a world-class indoor and outdoor training facility for elite representative teams within the confines of the WACA Ground and continue to play interstate and international cricket at the venue.

"I am certain that all Western Australians will agree that this development is a win-win all round for WA sport."

Crucially, the Australian Taxation Office ruled the redevelopment would not jeopardise the WACA's tax-free and not-for-profit status for the next 10 years.

WACA chairman David Williams said: "This is a unique development marrying commerce and cricket in a residential precinct with the iconic WACA Ground as its heart.

"We are masters of our destiny to develop a 21st century stadium and establish cash reserves for Western Australian cricket for decades to come."