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The BESIX Watpac and John Holland joint venture has been selected for the final stage of contractor negotiations to build Brisbane's proposed Olympic stadium at Victoria Park, beating a Built-Sacyr partnership.
The BESIX Watpac and John Holland joint venture has been selected for the final stage of contractor negotiations to build Brisbane's proposed Olympic stadium. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority announced the decision on Wednesday morning.
BESIX Watpac John Holland Advance Final Stage
The consortium beat a Built-Sacyr partnership to advance in the early contractor involvement process. The ECI process began almost a year ago on October 31, 2025. GIICA chief executive Simon Crooks said the first phase of the ECI had been a thorough process. Crooks said engaging two highly experienced construction teams in the design phase allowed the authority to rigorously test buildability, sequencing, risk and opportunity early.
He said the collaborative process supported the commitment to delivering an outstanding Brisbane Stadium while ensuring value for money. It also provides confidence in an on-time, responsible and appropriate build for Queenslanders. Together, BESIX Watpac and John Holland have delivered a host of landmark stadium projects across Australia. BESIX Watpac built Suncorp Stadium, barely two kilometres from the Victoria Park site, as well as the doomed Gabba.
John Holland built the Melbourne Cricket Ground's Shane Warne Stand and Marvel Stadium in the same city. John Holland also built the Sydney Football Stadium and the under-construction Penrith Stadium. The joint venture brings extensive experience to the Brisbane project. BESIX Watpac chief executive Mark Baker said the company had never been more ready to help shape Queensland's Olympic legacy.
Experienced Consortium Ready for Brisbane Stadium
He cited a track record of delivering every major stadium in Queensland without missing an opening. Baker also noted a century of local heritage and a Brisbane-based headquarters. Baker said the company was proud to progress the next stage of development for Brisbane Stadium. Consortium partner Nick Miller, the chief executive of John Holland, said they were ready to hit the ground running.
The stadium will deliver Brisbane a home of AFL, cricket and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Miller said the stadium would enable Brisbane to be a serious player in a nationally and globally competitive market for major events. He said comprehensive design, procurement and early works were continuing at pace. The work will deliver the new stadium precinct that will enhance Victoria Park and connect it to the rest of the city.
Miller said the precinct will allow far more people to enjoy the park, rather than just a few. A large section of Victoria Park has already been excavated for the stadium build. The project remains a key part of Brisbane's preparations for the 2032 Games. GIICA's annual report, tabled last Friday, reveals the agency expanded rapidly during 2025-26 as responsibility for the venue program intensified.
GIICA Growth and Stadium Budget Risks
The authority reported 81 staff, up from a full-time equivalent workforce of 52 a year earlier. The report said GIICA had adopted an integrated delivery model with delivery partner Unite32. It also showed the authority recorded a $493.6 million operating surplus. The surplus was largely driven by the transfer of Victoria Park land and assets into its control.
Total assets reached $550.5 million by June 30. GIICA said all venue milestones during 2025-26 were delivered within approved timeframes and scope. Procurement and planning activities progressed across Brisbane and regional Queensland venues. But the authority warned there were risks to keeping to its $7.1 billion budget.
The budget is jointly funded by the state government and the Commonwealth. Risks cited in the report included escalating construction costs, market capacity constraints, inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions. The authority continues to monitor these pressures as the stadium project advances.
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theage:Consortium named frontrunner to build Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic stadium 
brisbanetimes:Consortium named frontrunner to build Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic stadiumThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Brisbane Olympic Stadium BESIX Watpac John Holland Construction Queensland Victoria Park GIICA BESIX Watpac John Holland 2032 Olympic Games
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