By Luke Voogt
Central Geelong is the “perfect location” for GMHBA, Brownbill ward councillor Eddy Kontelj has said, as the insurer searches for alternative headquarters.
“GMHBA is a great fit for our CBD and I don’t know if you would want to be in any other place – especially being an investor in the CBD myself,” Cr Kontelj said.
“Looking from the outside in I think they’re in a perfect location.”
Cr Kontelj encouraged GMHBA to remain in central Geelong after the insurer recently announced a strategic review of its long-term head office accommodation.
NDIA, Worksafe and TAC headquarters nearby meant central Geelong was “really the place to be as a service provider”, he said.
“That said, I think it’s healthy for them to do a review.”
A planned convention centre and redevelopments at Royal Geelong Yacht Club and throughout central Geelong would cause the area to increase in value, Cr Kontelj said.
“We continue to see the CBD as a good investment opportunity.
“The CBD is probably undervalued as to where it will in the next five years – it’s going change dramatically.”
Cr Kontelj encouraged retailers and investors to consider moving to central Geelong.
“Having said that I understand there might be those that have an interest lying outside the CBD itself,” he said.
But Council needed to do more to attract people and businesses to central Geelong, he admitted.
“I’m still a strong believer that we need to provide better transport connections in and out of the CBD.”
A GMHBA spokesperson could not confirm the insurer would keep its headquarters in central Geelong amid speculation it may move elsewhere in the city.
“We have engaged an independent organisation, Tenancy Solutions Australia, to help us manage this process,” the spokesperson said.
“A Request for Submission (RFS) was released to the market earlier this year seeking proposals for a way forward. The evaluation team is currently reviewing these proposals.
“Due to this process, we have no further comment at this stage.”
The spokesperson confirmed GHMBA was committed to keeping its headquarters within Geelong.
The insurer had no plans to move employees working outside Geelong to its new headquarters, the spokesperson said.
“This potential move would only affect our Geelong-based employees.”
