BESIX Watpac-John Holland JV Advances for Victoria Park Stadium

The joint venture of BESIX Watpac and John Holland has moved to the next stage of the selection process to build Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) announced on 30 September. Construction is set to start in 2027.

The other shortlisted bidder, Australia’s Built in partnership with Sacyr, was named alongside it in April 2026. ABC News described the BESIX Watpac and John Holland team as the lone finalist; GIICA’s statement does not spell out what happens to the second bid.

Why it matters

GIICA describes the stadium as the city’s landmark venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For the construction market, the decision signals which tier-one contractors are likely to draw on labour and supply chains in inner Brisbane from 2027.

Both firms have stadium records. GIICA cites BESIX Watpac’s work on Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba and Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and John Holland’s on the MCG Great Southern Stand, Marvel Stadium, Sydney Football Stadium and Penrith Stadium.

The Victoria Park site remains contested. ABC reports ongoing protests against building on the parkland.

The numbers

• Capacity: 63,000 seats, per ABC, and a concert capacity of 70,000, per GIICA.
• Cost: ABC reports $3.6 billion for the stadium. GIICA places it within the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
• Timing: the early contractor involvement (ECI) process began in October 2025 and is to be finalised in the new year, with construction starting in 2027.

What’s next

During the ECI phase the joint venture works with GIICA to settle design detail and construction methodology. ABC reports contracts are expected in the new year. Subcontractors should watch for the JV’s package procurement once that contract is signed. More on the Brisbane Games pipeline, including the Bowen Hills PDA changes.