Main Contractor Selected for Australia's AUD 249.7 Million AIS Redevelopment Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 10, the Australian Sports Commission confirmed that Richard Crookes Constructions has been selected to lead the main works for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Podium redevelopment project. The project is located at the AIS campus in Canberra and is funded by the Australian Government with an investment of AUD 249.7 million. Demolition of the former athlete village is currently approximately 50% complete, and main construction of the new facilities is scheduled to commence in late 2026.

The AIS Podium project will deliver three core new facilities, including a high-performance testing and training centre, an indoor sports dome, and a new athlete accommodation building. The new accommodation building features a multi-storey design, can accommodate up to 200 people, and is built to meet accessibility requirements for athletes with disabilities; the indoor sports dome will provide all-weather, 24-hour training conditions; and the testing and training centre will consolidate athlete testing, training, and related high-performance support facilities.

The original AIS athlete village has been in use since 1985. The demolition and site preparation works are being carried out by Demolition Environmental Civil Contractors, and the cleared site will be used to construct the new high-performance testing and training centre. The AIS campus has now entered the early construction implementation phase, with the northern staff car park closed from August 10, 2026, to accommodate Podium project construction activities.

The appointment of the main works contractor completes the project's previous tender process. In February 2026, the Australian Sports Commission shortlisted Besix Watpac, Lendlease, and Richard Crookes Constructions for the main works tender, with detailed tender documents due in May and contract award planned for the second half of 2026. With the formal selection of Richard Crookes Constructions, the project has moved from the contractor selection stage to the preparation stage for main works implementation.

The Australian Government allocated AUD 249.7 million in the 2024–2025 financial year budget, with funding planned for AIS campus facility upgrades over three financial years. The project constitutes Phase One of the AIS Master Plan, with all three new facilities located within the existing AIS campus in Canberra. The project scope published by the Australian Sports Commission also includes requirements for universal building accessibility design, passive design, and subsequent adaptability design.