THE redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve has reached a major milestone, with Ipswich City Council awarding the design and construction contract for a new $41 million western grandstand to family-owned construction firm Buildcorp.
Council received 11 submissions for the project before shortlisting two companies and undertaking a detailed evaluation process.
The chosen tenderer will deliver a new two-storey grandstand complete with upgraded player and spectator facilities, along with significant public plaza works.
Mayor Teresa Harding said signing off on the successful contractor marked the official start of the project’s pre-construction phase.
“This is the first stage towards realising our future vision of a national-standard sport and entertainment precinct, featuring a modern 12,000-seat rectangular stadium in Queensland’s sporting heartland,” Mayor Harding said.
She said Buildcorp’s track record made it a strong fit for the flagship redevelopment.
“The 35-year-old company has delivered $9 billion in projects across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including major buildings at The University of Queensland, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the Brisbane CBD, and the National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore,”
Mayor Harding aid.
She also noted the upgrade positioned Ipswich to play a meaningful role in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments in association with Ipswich City Council.
State Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said he was pleased to see the project progressing.
“The State Government’s $10 million investment will bring the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct proposal to life and ensure that the community can stay active and healthy,” Mr Mander said. “Ipswich is a fast-growing city, and this precinct will ensure all levels of sport and community events can access the facilities they need.”
Pre-construction activities, including design workshops, will begin this month, with a concept design due early next year. Construction is expected to begin around September 2026.
