Companies vying for new Brisbane Stadium build down to two
The final two companies in the running to build the new Brisbane Stadium bring together some of Australia and the world’s best construction teams, with extensive stadium experience and a deep knowledge of major infrastructure.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has selected two multi-national joint ventures for Early Contractor Involvement (ECI):
- Australia’s Built in partnership with SACYR, this partnership complements Built’s established Queensland presence, local supply chain knowledge and government delivery experience with SACYR’s extensive international infrastructure and major stadia expertise.
- Multi-nationals John Holland and BESIX Watpac, a partnership that draws on the combined knowledge of two companies that have delivered landmark projects such as the MCG Great Southern Stand, Marvel Stadium and Sydney Football Stadium for John Holland; and Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba and Queensland Country Bank Stadium for BESIX Watpac.
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.
They both now take part in an Early Contractor Involvement phase with each team working independently with 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.
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said it has been an extensive process to get to this crucial milestone.
“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 teams over the coming months as we drive forward with our design and planning program for a new Brisbane Stadium that all of Queensland will be proud of,” Mr Crooks said.
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,” Mr Richards said.
“This innovative process supports our commitment to delivering a world‑class Brisbane Stadium, whilst ensuring value for money and confidence in an on‑time, responsible and appropriate build Queenslanders are proud of.”
Artist's impression of the new Brisbane Stadium
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, before becoming the home ground for the Brisbane Lions AFL team and cricket’s Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls. With a concert capacity of 70,000, the stadium will also attract international acts and major events.
Built Australia CEO David Paterson said they were looking forward to advancing to the next stage of the ECI process.
“Built, a 100% Australian owned Tier 1 construction business, is proud to progress to the next phase for the Brisbane Stadium. With global stadium partner Sacyr, we are ready to deliver a stadium that makes all Queenslanders proud,” Mr Paterson said.
“Sacyr is excited to be involved in this city shaping project to form the foundation of the upcoming 2032 Games,” added Sacyr CEO Pedro Sigüenza.
“Working together with our strategic partner, Built, our team is committed to delivering this global project, and bringing Sacyr’s extensive international expertise to build this transformational infrastructure that will be a symbol of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, of Brisbane and of Australia."
Artist's impression of inside the new Brisbane Stadium.
John Holland CEO Nick Miller said their team is excited to contribute to this transformational project.
“Brisbane Stadium is an absolutely iconic project and we are honoured 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 GIICA and the Queensland Government as the process continues,” Mr Miller 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,” added BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker.
“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.
GIICA takes possession of Victoria Park on 1 June, closing the park to public access as early works get underway. The North Brisbane Bikeway, with a slight detour, and the Urban Pump Track will remain open throughout construction, with some periods of closure likely due to the works program. 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).
