Expression of Interest process opened for building Commonwealth Games Villages

Ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Victorian Government has opened the Expression of Interest process for the construction sector to build the Commonwealth Games villages across the regions.

The Games villages will be home to around 7,000 athletes and officials in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Morwell when the Commonwealth Games get underway in March 2026.

These projects will create opportunities for regional contractors to be involved in construction, supporting hundreds of jobs.

Early works at each location are expected to begin later this year with village designs and numbers of dwellings required at each site still being finalised.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) will seek input from the market about their capacity and capability to be involved.

The response will help inform decisions including types of permanent and temporary dwellings that will be delivered.

• Delivery partners are invited to submit an EOI to support delivery of:

• medium-density dwellings, including pre-fabricated relocatable dwellings;

• small apartment buildings.

• place making

Victoria 2026 will leave a legacy of housing and new and upgraded sports infrastructure to attract future major events.

Victorian Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan notes “We’re getting on with delivering Victoria 2026 and we’re taking a step closer to seeing these Games come to life.

“Victoria 2026 will invest significantly in community infrastructure, including much needed additional housing in regional communities.”

Victorian Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Harriet Shing added “the 2026 Games give us a fantastic opportunity to partner with local businesses and contractors in creating athletes villages that are modern, accessible, and energy efficient.”

Interested parties can register via the Buying for Victoria website from which a shortlist of contractors will be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal process.

Image: Aerial view of Ballarat Mars Stadium Events Precinct and Lake. Credit: City of Ballarat