Two top firms to bid for chic Brisbane digs

Image: GIICA

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) (Australia) has selected two multinational joint ventures for Early Contractor Involvement (ECI):

• Australia’s Built in partnership with the SACYR. This partnership complements Built’s established Queensland presence, the local supply chain knowledge and the Government delivery experience with the SACYR’s extensive international infrastructure and major stadia expertise; and
• The multinationals John Holland and BESIX Watpac, a partnership that draws on the combined knowledge of two companies that have delivered landmark projects such as the 100,024-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne Great Southern Stand, the 56,347-seat Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and the 42,500-capacity Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney for John Holland. The 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the 37,478-capacity The Gabba in Brisbane and the 25,455-capacity Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Queensland for BESIX Watpac.

 
‘GIICA’ stated that the opportunity to build the new Brisbane Stadium attracted interest from construction companies across Australia and the world with the two joint ventures securing their top two spots after a rigorous five-month assessment process.

The new 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park will become the city’s landmark venue hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics. With a concert capacity of 70,000 the stadium will also attract international acts and major events.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is responsible for delivering the authority venues identified in the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Act 2021 (the Act) in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in accordance with the allocated funding from the Queensland Government and in compliance with the relevant games’ agreements. It also monitors the delivery of the other venues identified in the Act.

The 2032 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXV Olympiad and also known as Brisbane 2032, is a planned international multisport event scheduled to take place from July 23^rd-August 8^th, 2032 in Brisbane, Australia, with venues across the various regions of Queensland.

The 2032 Summer Paralympics, and also known as the 19^th Summer Paralympic Games, and branded as Brisbane 2032, or the abbreviation Bris2032, are an upcoming international multisport event parasports event governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC – an international nonprofit organization and the global governing body for the Paralympic Movement) and scheduled to be held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, from August 24^th-September 5^th, 2032.

Sydney (Australia)-based Built is a digital-first contractor and property developer partnering with the Government and the private sector to unlock opportunities and accelerate outcomes.

The SACYR has been operating in Australia for more than a decade and is globally recognized for delivering major health, sport and social infrastructure projects across 15 countries.

From humble beginnings 75 years ago, Melbourne-based John Holland is one of Australia’s leading building, infrastructure, rail, and transport companies.

With over a century of heritage in Australia, BESIX Watpac brings deep local knowledge, proven experience and trusted industry relationships to every project. Originating in Queensland, they have earned their reputation as a respected builder across Australia and New Zealand through every project they undertake and the passionate people who build them.

‘GIICA’ further stated that they both now take part in an Early Contractor Involvement phase with each team working independently with the GIICA and the stadium’s design team to review the design and early planning to propose innovation and efficient build solutions to deliver a world-class stadium on time and on budget. The final builder will be selected at the end of this three-month process and announced later in 2026.

The GIICA head honcho Simon Crooks said it has been an extensive process to get to this crucial milestone – “The GIICA has moved through an exhaustive Early Contractor Involvement process since we first went to market five months ago and we are satisfied that the two joint ventures selected are high-quality and vastly experienced construction teams. We look forward to working closely with both the teams over the coming months as we drive forward with our design and planning program for a new Brisbane Stadium.”

The GIICA’s Executive General Manager Delivery, Brendon Richards, said the Dual Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model helps set the project up for success – “Engaging two highly experienced construction teams at this stage of the design phase means we can rigorously test buildability, sequencing, risk, and opportunity early. This innovative process supports our commitment to delivering a world‑class Brisbane Stadium.”

The Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is a type of construction contract where the principal contractor is engaged at an early stage in a project to offer input into the design phase. It is in contrast to the design-bid-build model where the contractor is only brought onboard at the end of the design phase.

The Built Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Paterson said they were looking forward to advancing to the next stage of the ECI process – “Built, a 100 percent Australian owned Tier 1 construction business, is proud to progress to the next phase for the Brisbane Stadium.”

Added SACYR CEO Pedro Sigüenza, “SACYR is excited to be involved in this city shaping project to form the foundation of the upcoming 2032 Games.”

John Holland CEO Nick Miller said their team is excited to contribute to this transformational project – “The Brisbane Stadium is an absolutely iconic project and we are honored and excited to be invited to participate in the next stage with our joint venture partner BESIX Watpac. We look forward to drawing on our collective experience and expertise in stadia delivery and working closely with the GIICA and the Queensland Government as the process continues.”

Stated BESIX Watpac head honcho Mark Baker, “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 to the next stage of development for the Brisbane Stadium. We’ve never been more ready to play a crucial part in shaping Queensland’s legacy through this defining project. We thank GIICA and the Queensland Government for entrusting us with this opportunity.”

Design for the stadium is progressing well since the appointment of Principal Architects COX, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei in January this year.

The Rocks (Australia)-based COX Architecture practice is built around the designers that collaborate with the clients, the stakeholders and the communities.

Melbourne (Australia)-based Hassell is a leading international design practice with studios in Asia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their purpose is to create a better future by designing the world’s best places – places people love.

Ota (Japan)-based Azusa Sekkei is an award-winning Japanese architecture company. Azusa Sekkei was founded in 1946 with a vision: To bring warmth to architecture with a sincere heart.

The GIICA takes possession of the Victoria Park in Perth on June 1^st closing the park to public access as early works get underway. Construction is set to begin in 2027.

The new 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 Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).

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