WA Cricket chief executive John Stephenson says playing a role in the implementation of the WACA ground improvement project has been the highlight of his sports administration career so far.
The $188 million project, which was practically completed on December 19 last year, will be open to the general public on March 1 – just days before the one-off women's Test between Australia and India, which will be held at the iconic venue.
“It makes perfect sense, because I think the point we're at is really transformational,” he said. business News.
“I can't take all the credit, because a lot of work was already done before I came here.
“So, last year is just trying to get us over the line and I'm really satisfied with that.
“Now is the time for activation, making the WACA a place people can use every day of the year.
“Diversify our revenue sources, become less dependent on Cricket Australia and more self-reliant – that's my goal.
“There have been some ups and downs throughout my cricketing and administrative career. This is definitely a high point.”
From achieving practical completion until the official opening to the public on 1 March, a series of approval processes need to be completed, including in relation to separate part three – including the high performance center and surrounds, which Mr Stephenson will deliver by the end of February.
WA Cricket bosses are also excited that all staff will be able to move into the new office locations by the end of the month.
“They're working here in, I wouldn't say terrible conditions, I mean amazing conditions here,” Mr Stephenson said.
“But having been in temporary accommodation for a few years it has become a bit fragmented for staff.
“So we're really hoping to make a difference in areas where we can all work together.
“It's amazing, the office space there. It's incredible and I think it's really going to help the general sense of being in an amazing workplace and it can be really inspiring.”
In the 2025-26 state government mid-year financial estimates statement released last month, it was revealed that $840,000 was budgeted over the next three years to meet the required operating costs for the WACA Ground's aquatic centre, which includes a waterslide and a 50-metre outdoor pool.
Mr. Stephenson said business News He is confident that there will be great demand for the facilities.
“I'm really confident it will go ahead – especially that waterslide,” he said.
“There has been a lot of interest from different parts of the East Perth community and the wider community.
“(And) once everyone sees it up and running, I think they'll flock to try it. And with the gym facilities, they're incredible and open to the public.
“But I think the indoor and outdoor swimming pool with waterslide is going to be a major attraction.
“Down the road there is a local Filipino community that is really interested and they have real knowledge about the waterslide.
“They don't necessarily know that much about cricket, but hopefully when they come and go one thing will lead to another “oh, there's some cricket going on, what's it all about” and create that wider interest.
Looking forward to the Perth Bears venue partnership
The state government also confirmed in the mid-year financial estimates statement that it will commit $9.9 million between now and 2026–27 to upgrade the Lily Marsh Stand at the WACA and the nearby Waterbank site, which will be used by the newly formed Perth Bears rugby league team.
Another $3 million is allocated for improvements to relevant storm water systems.
The Bears, who will begin life in the National Rugby League next year, will be based at a high-performance facility in Waterbank until their new long-term facility in Málaga is completed.
During this time the club's administration base will also be temporarily based at the WACA.
“The majority of the admin staff – and they are talking about 80 to 100 admin staff – will be based on this side (the Lily Marsh Stand),” Mr Stephenson said.
“And there will be restructuring of the offices – certainly into the interior of the Lily Marsh Stand, the State Government who are spending a lot of money to make it into a high-performance facility for the Perth Bears, so they have a really good gym and areas for their staff to live in.
“The waterbank that you can see has already been grassed over where they will do all their training.
“They won't be on the WACA turf at all, and they will play at HBF Park.
“So it helps keep the Lily Marsh (Stand) going and in good shape, getting more money coming into the facility, keeping it really vibrant.
“I think they'll be a really good partner. It fits the way we want to be as a venue, 365 (days) a year.
“It will generate a lot of interest, so we're looking forward to the Perth Bears coming in. We've got a bit of work to do with them in terms of lease arrangements and term sheets, but we'll work on all that.”
Mr Stephenson also praised the state government and fellow stakeholders for ensuring the project 'gets things done'.
Scorchers add value on and off-field
Currently, the Perth Scorchers men's team is placed third on the BBL points table and are on track to reach another final, while the Scorchers women's team lost by eight wickets against the Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL Grand Final last month.
Mr Stephenson is said to have played a vital role in the Scorchers' success
“The Scorchers, both men and women, have performed exceptionally well this summer,” he said. business News.
“The women missed out, but we had an incredible campaign. We broke a lot of records here for the WBBL in terms of attendance, revenue generated and TV viewers, so we're very proud of that.”
“What's going to happen over the next few days with the conclusion of the men's BBL is really exciting.
“I think we'll break all revenue records for it. Obviously it depends on whether we get to the final or not. If we host the final, that would be amazing.
“But the rush for (January) 17th It looks like it might break a record. So it just creates this incredible excitement.
“And in other areas, the women's WNCL team is starting to win, so it's all part of what makes WA Cricket such an exciting environment, and there are so many challenging and interesting projects happening at the same time.”