The Downer-led consortium, which also includes John Holland and DT Infrastructure, was selected as the preferred bidder in February 2023 and achieved contract close on 29 June 2023.

Hyundai Rotem Company is the Rollingstock subcontractor, and with joint venture partner Downer, will be jointly responsible for the design, manufacture and commissioning of 65 passenger trains, for use on the South East Queensland rail network. The trains will be manufactured at a state-owned, purpose-built, facility at Torbanlea, near Maryborough, and will be maintained at a new purpose-built rail maintenance facility at Ormeau in the Gold Coast region.

“We were pleased to advise Hyundai Rotem Company on such a significant public infrastructure project, which will bring skills and jobs to the people of Queensland,” said Jonathan Stafford, Partner, DLA Piper.

DLA Piper's team was led by Jonathan Stafford (Partner, Finance, Projects & Restructuring) with support by Halima Ansari (Solicitor, Finance, Projects & Restructuring) and Jackson Tree (Senior Associate, Finance, Projects & Restructuring).

“This significant mandate was a strong demonstration of our capacity to navigate complex infrastructure projects,” Jonathan said.