Preferred builder chosen for Brisbane’s Olympic Stadium

Article posted by Coliseum, October 23^rd, 2026

Image: Queensland Government

A consortium of BESIX Watpac and John Holland has been named the preferred builder of Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Stadium.

The Courier Mail said the BESIX Watpac-John Holland team will now enter into negotiations on a final contract for the 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park which is being built for Brisbane 2032.

The joint venture beat off Australia’s Built and SACYR to win the preferred builder status and will now undergo contract and price talks with the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).

The new Brisbane Stadium will be delivered at Victoria Park, as part of a world-class Olympic Games precinct.

After the Games, the stadium will become the home ground for the Brisbane Lions AFL team and cricket’s Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls.

With a concert capacity of up to 70,000, the stadium will also attract international acts and major events.

Design for the Stadium is progressing well with Principal Architects COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei, while Stadium early works contractor BMD is busy undertaking bulk earthworks on site.

BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said the company thanked GIICA and the Queensland Government for entrusting the joint venture with the opportunity to build the stadium.

He said, “With a track record of delivering every major stadium in Queensland without missing an opening, a century of local heritage and our Brisbane-based headquarters, we are proud to progress the next stage of development for Brisbane Stadium.

“We’ve never been more ready to play a crucial part in shaping Queensland’s legacy through this defining project.”

John Holland CEO Nick Miller said, “It’s an incredible honour to join our partner BESIX Watpac for the next stage of the procurement process.

“We’re delighted to partner with GIICA and the design team through the next phase of the ECI and be ready to hit the ground running to deliver this iconic sport and entertainment venue for the Brisbane; a new home for AFL, cricket, concerts and, of course, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The GIICA is overseeing the multi-phase Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process that began in October last year.

BESIX Watpac and John Holland now move into the next stage of ECI, working closely with GIICA and the Stadium’s design team to finalise design detail and construction methodology. The ECI process will be finalised in the new year, with construction of the stadium set to commence in 2027.

Brisbane Stadium is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be delivered by the GIICA.

GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said the dual Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process had been comprehensive and sets the Brisbane Stadium project up for success.

“GIICA has moved through a very thorough first phase of the Early Contractor Involvement process since we first went to market and we are satisfied that the process has delivered the best possible contractor for this second and final phase,” Mr Crooks said.

“Engaging two highly experienced construction teams early in the design phase has meant we were able to rigorously test buildability, sequencing, risk and opportunity early

“This collaborative process supports our commitment to delivering an outstanding Brisbane Stadium, while ensuring value for money and confidence in an on‑time, responsible and appropriate build for Queenslanders.

“And it is not over yet; we will spend the next few months working closely with BESIX Watpac and John Holland to finalise the ECI process and begin building.”

Continue following Coliseum for the latest updates on sports venues, stadiums and arena business news worldwide.

Coliseum is dedicated to building a global community of sports and entertainment venue professionals helping create better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and industry experts from around the world. Apply for membership through the Global Sports Venue Alliance and access the 365Coliseum Business platform.