BESIX Watpac and John Holland shortlisted to build Victoria Park stadium

What's happening

The main venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games has moved closer to having a builder. On 30 September 2026, ABC News reported that a joint venture of BESIX Watpac and John Holland is the only bidder going through to the final stage of contract negotiations for the new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is running the process.

The stadium is expected to cost about $3.6 billion. It is the largest single item in the $7.1 billion infrastructure plan for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. GIICA took over the Victoria Park site in June 2026 and earthworks are already underway.

The key details

The contract process began in October 2025. The consortium will now work with the stadium's design team to settle the details and the construction method. The designers, Australian firms Cox Architecture and Hassell with Japan's Azusa Sekkei, were chosen earlier in 2026. GIICA chief executive Simon Crooks said the early process had been "comprehensive" and had produced the "best possible contractor" for the final phase.

• Capacity: 63,000 seats
• Estimated cost: about $3.6 billion, within the $7.1 billion Games infrastructure plan
• Builders' track record: Lang Park, the Gabba, Docklands Stadium and Penrith Stadium
• Designers' track record: Optus Stadium, and redevelopments of Adelaide Oval and the MCG
• After the Games: home ground for the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls

Premier David Crisafulli said he has not released individual project budgets and will do so once projects are finished. He said the stadium would be delivered "on time and on budget" within the $7.1 billion agreement with the federal government. He also said the consortium must "continue to show value for money" before a contract is awarded. Olympics Minister Tim Mander said negotiations were ongoing and focused on avoiding cost blowouts.

The site remains contested. Protests against building at Victoria Park, based on its cultural and historic significance, peaked earlier in 2026 when several activists were arrested.

Timeline and next steps

• October 2025: contractor procurement begins
• Earlier in 2026: Cox, Hassell and Azusa Sekkei selected as designers
• June 2026: site handed to GIICA, and earthworks start
• 30 September 2026: BESIX Watpac and John Holland JV advances as sole bidder
• New year (2027): contracts expected to be finalised
• 2027: main construction expected to start

Why it matters for developers and landowners

The stadium anchors the Victoria Park precinct, which will link the new stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and the Brisbane Showgrounds. A confirmed builder and a firm construction window make the precinct's timing more predictable. That is relevant to nearby urban renewal areas such as Bowen Hills, where the state is separately proposing higher density.

A project of this size also draws on the same pool of trades and materials as housing. With main works due to start in 2027, developers across South East Queensland should keep building in sensible allowances for construction cost and contractor availability in their feasibility work.

Frequently asked questions

Who will build the Brisbane 2032 stadium at Victoria Park?

A BESIX Watpac and John Holland joint venture is the sole bidder in final contract negotiations. Contracts are expected to be finalised in the new year.

How much will the Victoria Park stadium cost?

ABC News reported an expected cost of about $3.6 billion, as part of the $7.1 billion Games infrastructure plan. The Premier has not released individual project budgets.

When will construction of the Victoria Park stadium start?

Main construction is expected to start in 2027. Earthworks have been underway since the site was handed to GIICA in June 2026.

Source: ABC News, published 30 September 2026. This article is an independent summary and commentary by GC Prestige based on the original report — read the source for full details.