WACA and WAFC to formally investigate co-location opportunityFriday, March 4, 2016 - 2:07 PM

The Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) and West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate the potential development of shared training and administration facilities at the WACA Ground.

The development may form part of a planned upgrade of the WACA Ground, providing members, fans, players and staff of both sports with significantly improved facilities.

The two leading sporting codes are excited to be jointly exploring the possibility of creating a shared home of football and cricket in Western Australia.

The discussions will focus on creating a true partnership between football and cricket at the WACA Ground and will cover key areas of interest to both codes such as security of tenure and occupancy; access throughout the year; shared services; preservation and promotion of the history of both sports; and the ability to host major sporting events of each code.

WAFC Interim CEO Gavin Taylor said the organisation was excited to be working with the WACA to explore co-location options and to continue the positive working relationship established between the two leading sporting codes.

“Finding the best ‘home of football’ is critical for the future of our sport and we believe sharing the WACA Ground could unlock many exciting possibilities to create a centre of excellence for football,” said Mr Taylor

WACA Chief Executive Christina Matthews said the opportunity for the WAFC to co-locate at the WACA Ground was a key part of the WACA's Vision 2030 strategy released in September 2015.

“This MoU is an important step towards seeing if that outcome can be achieved and delivering a sustainable solution for both sports,” said Ms Matthews.

The discussions between the two sports will be facilitated by independent chair, Michael Smith, a leading Western Australian businessman who has an extensive knowledge of both sports.