Early works on one of the city’s major infrastructure projects has started, with preparatory works at the former Deakin University carpark beginning this week to prepare the site for construction of the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The preparatory works include geotechnical investigations, which will help prepare the land for the project’s development and ensure the project’s future designs take into account all relevant site considerations.
The precinct will include a 200-room luxury hotel and commercial spaces, and a 1000-seat plenary venue which will be developed with 3700 square metres of flexible multipurpose space to allow large and small events to run concurrently.
Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the project would support 600 construction jobs and a further 270 ongoing jobs once complete.
“This project is creating hundreds of jobs during construction as well as ongoing jobs when complete and will play a key role in attracting new visitors to the region for decades to come,” she said.
“We’re proud to invest in this city-shaping project because we know it will deliver big benefits for local businesses now and into the future.”
The project’s next steps include an industry briefing for architects, designers and builders next month, followed by an expression of interest process.
Details of commercial opportunities to activate the precinct and create better connections to the CBD and Western Beach, such as the hotel, will be determined through the EOI process.
The state government is contributing $261 million to the project, with the federal government contributing $30 million and the City of Greater Geelong $3 million, for a total project value of $294 million.
The project is funded through the Geelong City Deal – now valued at more than $500 million – which is a 10-year plan to revitalise Geelong through critical infrastructure.
“[This] marks an important milestone in the development of the GCEC, which once complete will play an important role in boosting the region’s tourism, arts and cultural sector,” federal Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said.
“The GCEC is the one of the key projects in the Geelong City Deal, which is a commitment from all three levels of government to deliver transformational infrastructure projects that enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the city.”
Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said it pleasing for the community to see progress on the project, with the state government buying the Waterfront carpark from Deakin University just before Christmas.
“The community has been a big supporter of Geelong having its own Convention and Exhibition Centre and will no doubt be excited by progress to deliver this much-needed project,” he said.
“The centre is set to open up significant employment, tourism and cultural opportunities for our region.”
