‘Overwhelming interest’: Companies circle contracts to build Brisbane’s Olympic venues

Olympic organisers have been inundated with interest from companies keen to deliver the Brisbane 2032 Games venues.

Newly released figures reveal the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority received more than 250 submissions from the design and construction sector to deliver 17 new and upgraded venues for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Queensland government also received 20 expressions of interest to deliver an integrated master plan for the Victoria Park precinct, which would house the 63,000-seat Olympic stadium, the National Aquatic Centre, the RNA Showgrounds and the athletes’ village. A consortium led by international design firm Arcadis was among the shortlisted EOIs.

Work on two heritage-listed grandstands at the showgrounds will soon begin, ahead of a 20,000-seat main arena upgrade.

And in the biggest contract prize of all, 48 EOIs were submitted for GIICA’s delivery partner to delivering its infrastructure program, with the successful applicant to be known by the end of the year.

GIICA chief executive Simon Crooks said he was pleased with the level of market interest.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the industry to work on what will become a truly iconic legacy for our state,” he said.

“Queenslanders can have confidence that GIICA and our partners in government and industry are going to deliver sporting venues that ensure a spectacular Games.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the “generational infrastructure” was about more than the Games – it would also unlock critical housing supply and better transport links.

“The overwhelming interest we have received to partner with the Crisafulli government to deliver these legacy venues for 2032 and beyond shows Queenslanders were now confident our government will deliver the 2032 Games venues on time and on budget,” he said.

Last week, the state and federal governments signed a new intergovernmental agreement, formalising the $7.1 billion Games funding deal, with the Commonwealth’s contribution capped at $3.435 billion.

Meanwhile, Brisbane soccer fans’ dreams of a quality boutique stadium at Perry Park have moved a step closer, with Bleijie sending letters to the project’s supporters confirming the ball was rolling.

The Bowen Hills site, while not identified in the delivery plan as an Olympic venue, could still host competition in 2032.

Football Queensland has been pushing for a 17,500-seat stadium for the site, but it was unclear whether that vision would be fully realised at once.

“Grassroots sports facilities across the state will benefit from enhancements, including upgrades to Perry Park and a contribution to the home of football,” Bleijie said in the letter.

“Perry Park’s importance as a grassroots sports facility was also identified in the delivery plan.

“The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, working with Football Queensland, will now lead a targeted review of possible upgrade opportunities to support future planning for the facility and funding consideration by the Queensland government.”

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