By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Investment projects worth more than $3.6 billion are in various stages across Geelong, according to Enterprise Geelong’s latest figures.
More than $1.3 billion of major construction is underway or nearing completion which is set to provide an added boost to local jobs.
Another $2.3 billion worth of investment is either awaiting commencement or in the planning stages. Projects recently completed reached $645 million.
A key project underway includes the $277 million first stage of the Epworth Geelong Hospital which is due for completion by the middle of the year.
The $100 million Warralily Village Shopping Centre, $93 million University Hospital Geelong expansion and $90 million Simonds Stadium stage four redevelopment will all transform the region.
The St Mary’s Terrace apartment development on the city fringe, worth $65 million, and the $29 million Barwon Water head office refurbishment are also providing jobs.
The city is already reaping the benefits of recently completed projects such as the $90 million Baanip Boulevard, $67 million St John of God Hospital redevelopment, $65 million Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre expansion, $45 million Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and $40 million Deakin Waterfront Campus redevelopment.
The major infrastructure works are supported by a record $1.2 billion in home building activity in 2014/15, with more than 2000 new dwellings approved every year.
The $3.9 million Central Geelong Action Plan aims to reinvigorate central Geelong with part of the funds directed to the innovative City in a Park Project.
Geelong’s popularity is reflected in the 4.3 million visitors to the region in 2014/15, becoming a flourishing food and wine destination with award-winning wineries, breweries, restaurants, cafés and artisan food producers.
In the pipeline:
$500m Infrastructure works for Port of Geelong (to 2050)
$363m Princes Highway duplication (Winchelsea to Colac)
$160m Geelong Performing Arts Centre stage two and three redevelopment
$110m Drysdale Bypass
$115m Rail maintenance and stabling yards
$80-$100m Office complex in central Geelong
$80m Balmoral Quay development (Rippleside)
$60m GMHBA Health and Wellbeing precinct
$40m Baptcare Norlane project
$33m Barwon Health Northern Health Centre
