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The consortium behind some of Australia’s best-known sporting venues has emerged as the frontrunner to build Brisbane’s proposed Olympic stadium, with the state authority overseeing the project selecting the BESIX Watpac and John Holland joint venture for the final stage of contractor negotiations.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority announced on Wednesday morning the consortium had won out over a Built-Sacyr partnership to move to the next stage of the early contractor involvement (ECI) process, which 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.
“We are satisfied that the process has delivered the best-possible contractor for this second and final phase,” he said.
“Engaging two highly experienced construction teams 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.”
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 and Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
John Holland, meanwhile, built the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Shane Warne Stand, Marvel Stadium in the same city, the Sydney Football Stadium and the under-construction Penrith Stadium.
BESIX Watpac chief executive Mark Baker said the company had “never been more ready” to help shape Queensland’s Olympic legacy.
“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,” he said.
Consortium partner Nick Miller, the chief executive of John Holland, said they were “ready to hit the ground running” to deliver Brisbane a home of AFL, cricket and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
GIICA chairman Stephen Conry said the authority was pleased with the stadium’s progress.
“It will 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 are continuing at pace to deliver the new stadium precinct that will enhance Victoria Park, connecting it to the rest of the city and allowing far more people to enjoy it, rather than just a few.”
GIICA’s annual report, tabled last Friday, reveals the agency expanded rapidly during 2025-26 as responsibility for the venue program intensified.
The authority reported 81 staff, up from a full-time equivalent workforce of 52 a year earlier, and said it had adopted an integrated delivery model with delivery partner Unite32 – a consortium led by Laing O’Rourke and AECOM.
The report also showed the authority recorded a $493.6 million operating surplus largely driven by the transfer of Victoria Park land and assets into its control, with total assets reaching $550.5 million by June 30.
GIICA said all venue milestones during 2025-26 were delivered within approved timeframes and scope, with procurement and planning activities progressing across Brisbane and regional Queensland venues.
But it warned there were risks to keeping to its $7.1 billion budget, 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.
Speaking on the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday morning, Premier David Crisafulli said he remained confident the project would be delivered within its $3.7 billion budget.
“We respect people’s money – and I pride myself on that – but, equally, we’re going to build something world-class,” he said.
“The negotiations that have been able to be done fills me with confidence that we will deliver it on time and on budget, and all the progress that we’re making is pointing in the right direction.”
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