Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority has shortlisted two contractors to progress in the procurement process for the Brisbane Stadium delivery, marking a key milestone in the development of the flagship venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project will be delivered through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model, with two contractors advancing to the next phase to refine design, methodology, and pricing prior to final contract award. The stadium forms part of the broader multi-billion-dollar 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure programme.
Brisbane Stadium – Project Background
The Brisbane Stadium will be located at Victoria Park and is planned as the central venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics events, before transitioning into Brisbane’s primary stadium in legacy mode.
With a planned capacity of approximately 63,000 spectators (expandable for major events), the venue is intended to support long-term use for AFL, cricket, and major entertainment events.
The project forms part of the broader Games Venues Infrastructure Program, which includes multiple new and upgraded venues across Queensland, supported by joint state and federal funding.
Procurement Strategy – Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)
The procurement approach adopted by Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority reflects a two-stage Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model.
Following an initial prequalification process, contractors were shortlisted to participate in an Invitation to Offer (ITO) phase. From this process, two contractors have now been selected to proceed into the ECI phase.
Under this model, both contractors will work in parallel with the client and design team to:
- Refine construction methodologies
- Develop programme and staging strategies
- Identify and mitigate delivery risks
- Progress cost planning towards a target price or negotiated contract sum
This dual-ECI approach is designed to maintain competitive tension while enabling early contractor input into complex design and constructability challenges.
The shortlisted teams
Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has shortlisted the following two teams to progress to the ECI phase:
- Built in partnership with SACYR
- A joint venture between John Holland and BESIX Watpac
The Built–SACYR partnership combines Built’s established Queensland presence, local supply chain capability, and government delivery experience with SACYR’s international expertise in large-scale infrastructure and stadium projects.
The John Holland–BESIX Watpac team brings a strong track record in major stadium delivery. John Holland has contributed to landmark projects including the MCG Great Southern Stand, Marvel Stadium, and Sydney Football Stadium, while BESIX Watpac has delivered key Queensland venues such as Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba, and Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Both teams will now work in parallel under the dual-ECI model to refine delivery methodology, programme, and pricing ahead of final contract award.
Project Context and Delivery Timeline
The Brisbane Stadium is currently progressing through planning, approvals, and early design phases (COX Architecture and Hassell have been recently appointed as project’s lead architectural designer) , with construction expected to follow completion of procurement and early works activities.
The broader programme anticipates staged delivery across multiple venues, with early works and site preparation occurring ahead of main construction activities.
Given the fixed deadline associated with the 2032 Olympic Games, programme certainty remains a key driver of procurement strategy. The adoption of an ECI model reflects the need to manage delivery risks early, particularly in the context of market capacity constraints, supply chain pressures, and cost escalation risks identified across the programme.
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