WACA Ground preferred option for future home of WAFCThursday, November 17, 2016 - 10:52 AM

The Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC) has confirmed that a redeveloped West Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground is the preferred option for the future home of the WAFC.

The co-location proposal with the WACA remains subject to the WAFC finalising its negotiations with the State Government in regards to football’s future funding model, as well as agreeing to final terms with the WACA.

WAFC Chairman Murray McHenry said the WAFC had confirmed its intent to co-locate with the WACA as part of a proposed redevelopment of the venue.

“This is our preferred option for the future home of the WAFC and we are focussed on creating a true partnership between football and cricket that will continue to provide ongoing benefits to each sport,” he said.

The proposed co-location would provide an opportunity to create a centre of excellence for football with new purpose-built facilities, a place to preserve and promote the history of the sport, and provide members, fans, players and staff of both sports with significantly improved facilities.

It is envisaged that the redeveloped venue would also host WAFL games, State football and Umpiring and Talent Academy programs. Dormitory-style accommodation would allow for players from regional areas to be hosted at the venue, as well as multicultural, indigenous and female players in key football participation segments.

“We greatly appreciate the significant investment of time and resources by the WACA to get the project to this point and look forward to continuing our work to progress this exciting project,” Mr McHenry said.

“We strongly agree that a redeveloped WACA Ground would complement Perth Stadium and provide wide-reaching benefits to the local community and regional WA.  The two venues would provide Perth with a truly world class sporting precinct that supports the development of the State’s two largest sports.”

The WAFC also acknowledges that Subiaco Oval has been an extremely important and historic venue for football in Western Australia and will continue to work with the City of Subiaco and the State Government on the future of the Subiaco Oval precinct.

The timing of how long football remains at Subiaco Oval and the future use of the venue will be determined as part of the WAFC’s negotiations with the State Government on the future funding model for WA Football.

Please note: all visuals are artist impressions only and do not reflect the final design.