The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has completed the prequalification process for a delivery contractor for the National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 

The procurement process is being carried out in a structured, staged manner to manage the complexity of the program. This includes prequalification of contractors, followed by invitation-to-offer stages, and then early contractor involvement before full construction begins. GIICA has selected Unite32—a consortium made up of Laing O’Rourke and AECOM—as its delivery partner, responsible for overseeing and ensuring the successful execution of major infrastructure projects within the A$7.1 billion (US$5 billion) Games venues program. In early January 2026, GIICA also appointed a joint venture between Cox, Hassell, and Azusa Sekkei as the principal architect for the main Olympic venue, Victoria Park Stadium. Notably, the Australian firms Cox and Hassell have previously been involved in designing major stadiums such as Optus Stadium in Perth, the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The shortlisted bidders for the Victoria Park Stadium delivery contract include BesixWatpac, Built, CPB, Samsung C&T, and WeBuild. GIICA is expected to soon narrow this group down to two candidates, who will proceed to the early contractor involvement phase. Initial site works for the stadium are scheduled to begin in Q2 of 2026. Meanwhile, the Queensland government’s Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning has recently completed the EOI stage for the Gabba Entertainment Precinct project. This development includes building a new indoor arena near the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail station, as well as decommissioning and redeveloping the existing Brisbane Cricket Ground into a mixed-use precinct after the Games. The shortlisted bidders will now move into a detailed proposal phase, with a final contractor expected to be selected by Q3 of 2026. Early works on the project are planned to begin before the end of 2026.

GIICA plans to award a number of major contracts in the first half of 2026, including the key role of principal architect for the National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill. It also expects to appoint principal design consultants for several venues—such as Barlow Park Stadium in Cairns, Sunshine Coast Stadium, the Logan and Moreton Bay Indoor Sport Centres, and the Redland Whitewater Centre—by mid-2026. These consultant appointments follow the completion of feasibility studies for projects like the Redland Whitewater Centre, where early construction works are anticipated to begin in 2027. In addition, GIICA has committed to progressing tenders for a range of smaller venues, including the Queensland Tennis Centre, Chandler Sports Precinct, Rockhampton Flatwater Facility, Toowoomba Showgrounds, and the Brisbane International Shooting Centre. 

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic infrastructure program faces several key delivery challenges, including the wide geographic spread of venues across Queensland, which increases logistical complexity and raises concerns about budget accuracy. A shortage of skilled labour, delays in related infrastructure like transport projects, and tight timelines further add to the risk. Together, these factors—along with rising costs and growing scrutiny—create significant pressure on delivering the projects on time and within budget.