WACA pool tipped to interrupt even inside 4 years, as taxpayers foot the invoice | USAEMALL.com

There’s no water yet, but the pool that is the centrepiece of a $183 million redevelopment of the WACA is on track to open during the upcoming summer of cricket.

WA taxpayers will foot the bill for ongoing operational costs of the pool and water slide, after the City of Perth baulked at the bill under former mayor Basil Zempilas.

“The estimated subsidy over four years currently is between $500,000 – $600,000,” Treasurer and Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said on Tuesday.

“But we expect that this project will wash its face because of its incredible location and the different facilities. So there’ll be some ongoing support initially but we expect by year four they’ll start, in a sense, washing its own face.

“We always believed in the vision.”

The local council did chip in $25 million of the construction cost and Acting Mayor Bruce Reynolds joined Ms Saffioti on Monday to announce the aquatic and health hub will be called “The Pavilion” and operated by BlueFit.

“We’ve got just over a $300 million budget, so that is a significant contribution on our behalf,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We are fully cognisant that without the support of the State and Federal Governments the reality is we wouldn’t be here today to celebrate another turning page as we get closer towards our summer.”

WA Cricket chief executive John Stephenson said the health hub on site is a world first that will benefit cricket fans and novices alike.

“We’re hoping to attract a lot of families into the new facility and then hopefully it will pique their interest in cricket as well and vice versa,” he said.

“This is completely unique. Being the CEO of a cricket ground that has an aquatic centre and water slides, I don’t think you can find that anywhere else in the world.”

It’s expected The Pavilion, including the pool, will be open when cricket is being played, but Mr Stephenson said safety will be a priority.

“Obviously if Mitch Marsh is facing and in a T-20 time it looks like he’s going to aim it towards the swimming pool we’ll make sure we take all the safety measures,” he joked.