Stadium builders in Origin battle

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 5, 2026

Queensland-based BESIX Watpac, partnering with John Holland, is finalizing its bid to construct the $3.8 billion Victoria Park stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, competing against a Sydney consortium. The contract award, expected by September, will be crucial in ensuring the stadium is delivered on budget alongside other Games infrastructure projects.

Queensland construction company BESIX Watpac, in partnership with John Holland, is nearing the final stages of submitting its bid to build the new Victoria Park stadium, the centerpiece venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane. The joint venture is competing against a Sydney-based consortium, Built-SACYR, for the $3.8 billion contract to deliver the stadium.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority is expected to receive final submissions by the end of July, with a preferred contractor potentially named as early as September. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has indicated the state government will announce the successful bidder soon, emphasizing that all 2032 projects must be completed within budget.

BESIX Watpac, headquartered in Brisbane, is leveraging its recent international experience with the $556 million Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand, which was completed two months ahead of schedule and $26 million under budget. The company views this accomplishment as a significant asset in its bid to secure the project and underscores its capability in managing large-scale stadium developments. BESIX Watpac also boasts a history of involvement in prominent local projects, including upgrades to Ballymore, the Gabba, and the 2001 redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium.

Mark Baker, CEO of BESIX Watpac and a Brisbane native, highlighted the importance of securing the Victoria Park stadium project, equating the competition to a State of Origin rivalry. “Building the Olympic Stadium for Brisbane is our number one target by a country mile,” Baker said. He stressed the significance of constructing a venue where athletes might compete in front of their hometown fans during the 2032 Games.

Meanwhile, Australian architectural firm COX Architecture, in collaboration with international partners Hassell and Azusa Sekkei, continues to refine the designs for Victoria Park, following state government directives to keep projects financially viable. Deputy Premier Bleijie had previously ordered revisions to the plans for the National Aquatic Centre after initial designs were found to be overly expensive, reflecting the government’s focus on fiscal discipline for all Games-related infrastructure.

As the bid submission deadline approaches, the decision will mark a critical step in cementing Brisbane’s preparations for the 2032 Olympics, balancing local expertise and international collaboration in delivering a world-class sporting venue.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.