THE state government has opened the expression of interest (EOI) process for the construction sector to build the Commonwealth Games villages across the regions, ahead of the 2026 Games.
The Games villages will be home to around 7000 athletes and officials in Morwell, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong, 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.
“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,” Member for Eastern Victoria and Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Harriet Shing said.
Delivery partners are invited to submit an EOI to support delivery of medium-density dwellings, including pre-fabricated relocatable dwellings, small apartment buildings and place making.
“Victoria 2026 will invest significantly in community infrastructure, including much needed additional housing in regional communities,” Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan said.
Victoria 2026 will leave a legacy of housing and new and upgraded sports infrastructure to attract future major events.
It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will create more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before they start, 3900 jobs during the Games, and a further 3000 jobs after the closing ceremony, and is expected to contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy.
Interested parties can register via the Buying for Victoria website (buyingfor.vic.gov.au), from which a shortlist of contractors will be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal process.
