BESIX Watpac John Holland Joint Venture moves to next stage of Brisbane Stadium selection process

• BESIX Watpac and John Holland joint venture moves into the next stage in search for Brisbane Stadium builder.
• GIICA narrowed the field to one after a thorough, year-long Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process.
• Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics.
• With up to 63,000 seats, the stadium will become home to AFL’s Brisbane Lions and cricket in legacy.

The joint venture of BESIX Watpac and John Holland has moved to the next stage of the selection process to decide the construction contractors for the iconic Brisbane Stadium.

Together the two construction giants have delivered a host of landmark stadium projects. BESIX Watpac has delivered Queensland’s Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba and Queensland Country Bank Stadium. John Holland has built the MCG Great Southern Stand, Marvel Stadium, Sydney Football Stadium and Penrith Stadium.

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

"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,” Mr Baker said.

“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 their team was excited to be part of this transformational project.

"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 Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (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 in Victoria Park will become the city’s landmark venue, hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics.

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.

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 Chairman Stephen Conry said the new Brisbane Stadium is a significant and exciting investment for Queensland that will transform Victoria Park into a leading sport and entertainment precinct.

"GIICA is pleased with the progress of the Brisbane Stadium delivery program. The Stadium was identified through our 100 Day Review as a much needed and long overdue investment which will allow Victoria Park to become a vibrant parkland and the major event hub for Brisbane and Queensland,” Mr Conry said.

"It will enable Brisbane to be a serious player in a nationally and globally competitive market for major events.

“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.

“Brisbane Stadium will promote Brisbane and Queensland globally and be a place that we can all be proud of for generations.”

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.”

Brisbane Stadium progress images and footage are available for use. See https://gamesvenues.au.canto.com/b/QQ34B