# Canberra Airport Appoints BESIX Watpac for Proposed Lakeside Stadium Project Airport leadership aims to provide government with verified construction costs rather than estimates. - **Source:** [Canberra Times](https://www.canberratimes.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e47f438-f76f-4fac-ba04-ca4d5fcf7af8 ## Strategic Partnership Formed Canberra Airport has officially appointed construction firm BESIX Watpac to collaborate with architect Populous on the proposed Canberra City All Event Stadium. This partnership aims to move beyond preliminary estimates by delivering credible, tested costings. The project team intends to present these findings to the federal government by this coming Christmas. ## Proven Collaboration Model The selection reunites the team behind the Christchurch stadium project, which serves as a key inspiration for the Canberra proposal. While utilizing past experience, CEO Stephen Byron emphasized that the new venue will be specifically tailored to Canberra’s unique climate and the Regatta Place site requirements, ensuring a bespoke local solution. ## Rigorous Constructability Testing BESIX Watpac has been engaged as an early contractor to perform detailed assessments on design sequencing, constructability, and financial viability. By involving construction experts during the initial design phase, the airport aims to provide the government and the community with a proposal grounded in real-world data rather than speculative budget projections. ## Extensive Industry Experience The appointed builder brings significant expertise, having delivered over 60 stadiums and sporting facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Their portfolio includes major venues such as Lang Park, the Gabba, and stadiums in Townsville and the Gold Coast. This track record is intended to provide confidence in the project's delivery capabilities. ## Local Economic Focus BESIX Watpac, which established a Canberra office in June, has committed to prioritizing local opportunities throughout the development process. CEO Mark Baker stated that the firm intends to create jobs for local trades and businesses. This focus on regional economic participation is a central pillar of their project delivery strategy. ## Evidence-Led Project Approach The airport’s leadership maintains that the proposal must be evidence-led to be taken seriously by federal authorities. By utilizing a quantity surveyor alongside the builder, the project team plans to refine cost plans continuously. This methodical approach is designed to mitigate financial risks before the project moves into any formal construction phase. ## Site-Specific Design Requirements The proposed site at Regatta Place presents specific environmental challenges that the design team must address. Unlike standardized stadium models, the Canberra venue requires a configuration that accounts for the capital's distinct weather patterns. Architects and builders are currently working to ensure the final design is both functional and climate-appropriate for residents. ## Future Project Milestones The immediate goal is to finalize preliminary designs and cost plans for federal government review by late December. The success of this phase will determine the viability of the stadium project moving forward. Stakeholders are watching closely to see if these credible, tested numbers will satisfy government requirements for potential funding. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9389835/anthony-albanese-to-receive-tested-canberra-stadium-costings/?src=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._