Heritage at the Heart of a New Era

Opening to the public next month, the redeveloped WACA Ground blends heritage with a future-focused vision, creating a vibrant hub at the heart of East Perth.

At the centre of the redevelopment sit the Prindiville Building, the John Inverarity Stand, and the Wally Edwards Function Centre - each thoughtfully designed to preserve the Ground’s rich legacy while delivering contemporary, flexible spaces fit for the future.

Prindiville Building
The new WA Cricket administration building proudly carries the name Prindiville, preserving an important part of Western Australian cricket history.

The original Prindiville Stand was officially opened in November 1984 as the first stage of the WACA Ground’s major redevelopment, marking the Ground’s centenary. Named after former Western Australian Cricket Association President Bernie Prindiville, it became home to WA Cricket’s administration offices for decades.

Prindiville was a tireless servant of the game in Western Australia, leading fundraising efforts for Perth’s first Test match in December 1970 and playing a pivotal role in fundraising towards the first redevelopment of the Ground. The naming of the Prindiville Building ensures his contribution - and his impact on WA Cricket - continues to be recognised for generations to come.

John Inverarity Stand
In a further nod to the WACA Ground’s legacy, the John Inverarity Stand has been reinstated pitch-facing at the northern end of the Ground, ensuring an important chapter of WA cricket history remains embedded within the redeveloped venue.

Originally constructed in 1970 for the first men’s Test match played in Perth, the former structure was initially known as the Test Stand before being renamed in 1985 in honour of former Western Australian captain John Inverarity.

Its relocation preserves its place in the story of the Ground while integrating it into a refreshed Members and spectator experience, with bowlers to start their run-up from either the ‘Inverarity end’ or the ‘Lillee-Marsh end’.

Wally Edwards Function Centre
Completing the trio is the Wally Edwards Function Centre, a premium, multi-purpose space designed to strengthen the WACA Ground’s role as a community and events destination.

Named in recognition of Wally Edwards, former Test cricketer and long-serving Cricket Australia Director, the function centre honours his lifelong dedication to the sport. Edwards played a pivotal role in developing pathways for grassroots cricket, supporting player development at all levels, and guiding the governance of cricket in Western Australia.

The function centre will provide a flexible venue for matchday hospitality, events, corporate functions and community gatherings, further cementing the Ground as a place where cricket, culture and community meet.

Together, these elements represent the spirit of the WACA Ground Improvement Project - a carefully considered redevelopment that respects the Ground’s heritage, enhances its boutique character and ensures the WACA Ground remains one of Australian sport’s most distinctive and cherished venues.

In a further nod to the rich heritage of the Ground, the Farley Stand has also been reinstated. Opened in 1931 and named after former WACA President and Secretary W.J. Farley the original structure was demolished in 2002, but the name once again takes its place at the south-western end of the Ground.

As part of the wider redevelopment, the WACA Ground gates have also been renumbered to start with Gate One at the new entry to the Prindiville Building, before moving numerically anticlockwise around the Ground.

The transformational project is jointly funded by the WA Government, Australian Government and City of Perth under the $1.7 billion Perth City Deal, in collaboration with WA Cricket and Cricket Australia, and supported by Lotterywest.  

Comments attributable to John Stephenson, WA Cricket CEO:

"The redeveloped WACA Ground is a remarkable celebration of our heritage and a bold step into the future.

“From the Prindiville Building to the John Inverarity Stand and the Wally Edwards Function Centre, every element has been designed to honour the legends of WA cricket while creating world-class facilities for players, Members, fans and the community.

"The WACA has always been more than a cricket ground - it’s a place where memories are made, families gather, and our cricketing story is written. This redevelopment ensures that story continues, in a space that’s intimate and welcoming, while also providing facilities that meet the demands of modern sport and events.

"We’re thrilled to open the doors to the public next month and invite everyone to experience this reimagined precinct. It’s a place for sport, culture, community and connection - truly a ground for all Western Australians."

Comments attributable to WA Minister for Sport and Recreation, Rita Saffioti:

“The WACA Ground holds a special place in Western Australia’s sporting history, and this redevelopment ensures its remarkable legacy is not only preserved but also strengthened for future generations.

“By reinstating iconic names like Prindiville, Inverarity and Farley, and honouring leaders such as Wally Edwards, we are celebrating the individuals who shaped WA cricket in WA while creating a venue that is ready for the next chapter.

“The upgraded facilities will support grassroots participation, attract events and provide flexible spaces that ensure the WACA remains a welcoming and accessible hub at the heart of East Perth.

“The transformed WACA Ground enhances our world-class sporting infrastructure while preserving the character and intimacy that make it one of Australia’s most distinctive venues.”