The light towers of the iconic WACA Ground are set to be upgraded with new LED coloured lights, in a massive operation that requires the 17-metre-high steel headframes to be taken down and transported off-site.
The new lights will be coloured and able to be coordinated with the colours of Optus Stadium and the Matagarup Bridge for special events, allowing the WACA to once again host international and world-class events.
The upgrade is part of the next stage of the WACA Ground Improvement Project (WGIP), which is being jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government, City of Perth, WA Cricket and Cricket Australia through the $1.6 billion Perth City Deal.
The current light towers were added to the WACA Ground in 1986 and stand at around 70 metres high with each tower supporting an average of 136 light fittings.
All headframes will be dismantled into three sections, lowered to the ground, then transported to a specialist metal fabrication facility to strengthen and repaint the frames.
The new light luminaires and coloured unibars will then be installed in the headframes at ground level at the WACA Ground before being replaced to the top of each tower.
The demolition of one light tower (light tower 2 by Gate 2) is required to enable the construction of the high-performance centre.
These works are due to be completed before the start of the 2022-23 cricket season and prior to significant works under the WGIP Main Works contract.
The WGIP is anticipated to create 120 jobs in the construction phase and 250 ongoing jobs when operational.
As stated by Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:
“The WACA is an iconic venue steeped in sporting history, which is why the Morrison Government is supporting its redevelopment through the $487 million to the Perth City Deal so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
“The upgrades to the facilities on the WACA Ground will have far reaching impacts, not only by enhancing the visitor experience and attracting more spectators and tourists through its gates, but by helping to reinvigorate this pocket of the city which will have positive flow-on effects to local businesses.”
As stated by Western Australian Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA:
“The WACA is a special place for many Western Australians – I spent many years there as a kid, cheering on my favourite players.
“The new lights will mean the WACA can be lit up in the same colours as the iconic Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge, highlighting special events and causes.”
As stated by Western Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon David Templeman MLA:
“This is a fantastic project that will allow the WACA to shine in a way it never has before.
“It will help unify it with our other fantastic sporting facilities and icons, and ensure that the facility can continue to host world-class events into the future.”
As stated by Perth Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas:
“The WACA not only brings local communities together, but also attracts people nationwide to come experience what this beautiful city has to offer.
“This is a key example of how the Perth City Deal, a proud partnership of all three levels of government, is delivering the projects Perth needs to grow and thrive – and the new WACA coloured lights fit perfectly with the City of Perth’s new City of Light brand.”
As stated by WA Cricket CEO, Christina Matthews:
“The upgrade to LED lights is required to ensure the WACA Ground meets the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) light standards and we can continue to host world-class cricket, sporting and entertainment events.
“It’s an investment that will significantly reduce the running costs of the lights and extend the life of these towers by 25 years.”
