Perth’s iconic WACA Ground has officially entered a new era, with the transformed East Perth precinct opening in March 2026 as a multi‑sport, community‑focused destination that blends elite cricket facilities with aquatic recreation, wellness spaces and family‑friendly amenities. After years of planning and construction, the redeveloped venue is now open to the public, inviting Western Australians to experience a world‑class sporting and lifestyle hub right in the heart of the city.
The $189 million WACA Ground Improvement Project—a collaboration between the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, City of Perth, WA Cricket and Cricket Australia with support from Lotterywest—has turned the historic oval into a year‑round precinct that respects the ground’s 130‑plus‑year legacy while embracing modern accessibility, sustainability and community engagement.
A New Generation of Elite Cricket Facilities
At the core of the reimagined WACA Ground is a state‑of‑the‑art High‑Performance Centre designed to support elite training, talent pathways and community coaching. The facility includes a 10‑lane indoor training centre, premium change rooms, rehabilitation spaces and high‑spec practice areas that allow players to condition‑proof their preparation regardless of weather.
The High‑Performance Centre is positioned to serve:
- Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield and domestic squads.
- National‑level and international teams training in Perth.
- Junior and community programs that use the WACA as a high‑calibre hub for skill development.
Advanced bowling‑machine technology, video‑analysis suites, and sports‑science support spaces are integrated into the complex, giving players detailed feedback and individualised training plans. The centre also includes recovery and physiotherapy areas, making it a one‑stop environment for both high‑performance athletes and grassroots players looking to refine their craft.
A Transformative Aquatic and Wellness Hub
One of the most striking additions to the precinct is The Pavilion, a new aquatic and wellness zone that turns the WACA into one of Perth’s most distinctive sporting destinations. The facility is built around a resort‑style aquatic hub that includes:
- A 50‑metre outdoor pool suited for lap swimming, learn‑to‑swim programs and general recreation.
- An indoor learn‑to‑swim pool, ideal for infants, children and adults in all weather conditions.
- Waterslides and a splash park designed to attract families and younger visitors.
- A fully equipped gymnasium and a range of group‑fitness studios offering everything from yoga and pilates to high‑intensity training.
The inclusion of waterslides and a family‑oriented splash area gives the precinct a strong leisure appeal beyond the cricket‑obsessed audience, turning match‑day trips into full‑day outings for visitors of all ages. The gym and studios are open outside match windows, so local residents can use the WACA as a regular fitness destination, further embedding the venue into everyday life.
Stadium and Fan Experience Upgrades
While the aquatic and high‑performance elements are new, the WACA’s identity as a boutique cricket stadium remains intact—and has been enhanced. The redevelopment has lengthened the playing surface to allow Australian rules football and other codes to return to the ground, expanding the venue’s sporting calendar beyond summer internationals and domestic matches.
Key stadium‑side features include:
- A reconfigured seating bowl and standing‑room areas that improve sightlines and crowd flow.
- Upgraded LED lighting and dynamic colour‑changing capability on the light towers, enabling the ground to be lit in themed patterns for major events.
- A new northern‑end building that consolidates WA Cricket administration, function spaces and public amenities, creating a central hub for pre‑ and post‑match activity.
The design deliberately preserves heritage elements such as the Lillee‑Marsh Stand, the Players’ Pavilion and the South West Pavilion, weaving the ground’s history into the refreshed precinct. At the same time, improved accessibility—ramps, lifts, all‑abilities viewing areas and sensory‑friendly spaces—ensures the venue is welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.
Community Spaces, Play and Café Life
The WACA Ground redevelopment is not just about athletes and spectators; it is about activating the surrounding area as a lively public space. The precinct now includes:
- Wirin Café, a public café situated so visitors can relax with a coffee or meal while watching children play in the adjoining playspace.
- Lotterywest Karda Playspace, a large, all‑abilities playground where families can spend time even when there is no on‑field match.
- Open lawns and gathering spaces that host community events, fitness classes, markets and school‑group activities.
By blending a café, playground and open green space with the stadium itself, the precinct encourages locals to treat the WACA as a regular weekend destination, not just a place to visit for big games. The area also sits near new inner‑city developments such as the nearby primary school and the broader East Perth activation, making it a focal point in a revitalised urban corridor.
Heritage, Culture and the WACA Museum
Respect for the ground’s history is a central theme of the redevelopment. The reinvigorated WACA museum tells the story of the venue’s role in Western Australian and national sport, showcasing memorabilia, photographs and interactive exhibits that span generations. The museum also acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, integrating Indigenous stories and perspectives into the visitor experience.
The blend of heritage and innovation is visible in subtle details such as preserved bricks, heritage‑style finishes on new structures and interpretive signage that explains the evolution of the ground from a cricket‑only venue to a multi‑sport, community‑centred precinct. For long‑time fans, the upgrades feel like a respectful reimagining rather than a clean‑slate rebuild.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the bricks and steel, the WACA Ground redevelopment is framed as an economic and lifestyle catalyst for Perth. Hosting more matches across multiple sports, plus regular community programs, is expected to draw additional visitors to the city each year, supporting nearby hospitality, transport and retail.
The aquatic and wellness component, in particular, is projected to create jobs in fitness, aquatics education and leisure management, while also improving public health outcomes by making swimming and exercise more accessible. Officials from the federal and state governments have highlighted the precinct as a model of how inner‑city sites can be repurposed to serve both elite sport and everyday citizens.
What This Means for Perth in 2026 and Beyond
With the WACA Ground’s grand reopening in March 2026, Perth acquires a new landmark that operates as much as a community hub as it does a stadium. The mix of high‑performance cricket, a modern aquatic and wellness centre, a museum, playground and café creates a venue that can be enjoyed every day of the week, not just on match days.
For families, it becomes a place to swim, play and socialise; for serious athletes, it offers world‑class training and competition facilities; for casual visitors, it provides green space, food and culture in the heart of the city. The opening of the redeveloped WACA Ground marks the beginning of a broader chapter in Perth’s sporting and urban life—one that honours the past while building a more inclusive, active, and connected future.
Emma Brooks is a contributing writer at richlittleragdolls.co.nz, covering news, community updates, and trending stories across New Zealand and Australia. Her work focuses on delivering clear, accurate, and reader-friendly reporting that helps audiences stay informed about regional and national developments.
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