BESIX Watpac launches Canberra office

Marking a new era of growth in the Australian Capital Territory.

8 June 2026

BESIX Watpac has officially launched its Canberra office – an important milestone in the company’s commitment to the ACT.

In celebration of the occasion, CEO Mark Baker and General Manager NSW & ACT, Giovanni Polimeni welcomed guests to the QT Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders across government, industry, and the private sector for an evening of forward-looking discussion, as the Territory prepares for a strong pipeline of future social infrastructure projects.

In his welcome address, Mark reinforced BESIX Watpac’s long-term commitment to the Canberra region, highlighting the value the business will bring through its proven delivery capability and collaborative ethos of building the best together.

“BESIX Watpac has been helping shape Australian communities for more than 100 years, and more recently in New Zealand. The One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, completed this year, is a standout example of what can be achieved through collaboration – delivered ahead of schedule and on budget – with a transformational impact on the local community. We know Canberra deserves the same.”

“With our highly experienced local team, backed by the international capability of our parent company, BESIX Group, which has delivered some of the world’s most complex projects, we’re focused on the unique value we can contribute to the Territory’s pipeline.”
Mark Baker, Chief Executive Officer, BESIX Watpac

The evening continued with a panel discussion, Connecting the Capital: The projects and planning shaping Canberra’s future, expertly moderated by Sally Pryor from The Canberra Times. Panellists Ashlee Berry – ACT & Capital Region Executive Director, Property Council Australia, Jo Farrell – Founder, Build Like a Girl and ACT Australian of the Year 2024, and Alan Tongue – former Captain of the Canberra Raiders shared valuable insights on the importance of long-term planning and collaboration to support Canberra’s evolving infrastructure landscape, including highlighting how a new, well-planned stadium will add immense value to the community and broader region, befitting of a modern National Capital.

Giovanni expressed what the commitment means for BESIX Watpac in the region.

“We’re excited to work alongside industry and community to help the ACT bring projects to life with delivery certainty. With the opportunities ahead, from significant cultural institutions, defence projects, a new convention centre to a world-class AIS sporting and training facility, BESIX Watpac are excited by what’s to come,” Giovanni said.

“We look forward to strengthening long-term partnerships and building new connections as we continue to grow in the ACT.”

The event also featured an engaging ‘Welcome to Country’ delivered by Aunty Mary Atkinson, a proud Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal woman, as part of our genuine commitment to First Nations engagement and National Reconciliation Week.

“With an exciting pipeline of significant city-shaping opportunities, we see strong potential to bring unique value to the ACT region through our integrated planning, design and construction capabilities. We are bringing deep expertise across Defence, sports and leisure, health, data centres, aviation, complex industrial, tertiary and education projects, and look forward to applying that experience to support the future of the region.”
Nick Limbrey
Pre-Construction Manager – NSW & ACT, BESIX Watpac