John Holland and BESIX Watpac move to the next stage of Brisbane Stadium builder selection

The John Holland and BESIX Watpac joint venture has moved to the next stage of the selection process for Brisbane Stadium's construction contractor. On 30 September 2026 the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) announced that the joint venture is moving into the next stage of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for the 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park.

In this stage the joint venture works closely with GIICA and the stadium's design team to finalise design detail and construction methodology. GIICA expects the ECI process to be finalised in the new year, with construction of the stadium set to start in 2027.

Project at a glance

How the team was chosen

GIICA went to market on 31 October 2025, inviting national and international contractors with experience delivering major stadiums and large-scale infrastructure projects to prequalify. In April 2026 it shortlisted two joint ventures for ECI: John Holland with BESIX Watpac, and Built with SACYR. Both teams worked independently with GIICA and the design team to review the design and early planning, and the John Holland and BESIX Watpac team has now moved to the next stage.

Early Contractor Involvement, or ECI, brings the builder in while the design is still being developed, so construction know-how shapes the plans, staging and methodology before the construction contract is finalised.

Who is building it

Both partners bring stadium experience. GIICA points to John Holland's work on the MCG's Great Southern Stand, Marvel Stadium, the Sydney Football Stadium and Penrith Stadium, and to BESIX Watpac's work on Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba and Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

They join a project that is already moving on site. GIICA took possession of Victoria Park on 1 June 2026, and BMD was awarded the early works package in July, with GHD as design partner. Bulk earthworks are under way, and early works are expected to be complete by mid-2027.

After the Games

Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, then become the home of the Brisbane Lions, the Brisbane Heat and the Queensland Bulls.

For more on the project, its approvals and the wider Games program, see our Brisbane Stadium project update.

What's next

The joint venture now works through phase two with GIICA and the design team. The next milestones are the conclusion of ECI in the new year and the decision on the construction contractor, with construction set to start in 2027. BMD's early works are due for completion by mid-2027.

Published 6 October 2026 · Updated 4 October 2026