Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing announced this week Plenary Conventions will lead the development of the much-anticipated Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan joined the minister for the announcement, unveiling the proposed designs for the $300 million project.
The precinct will transform the Geelong waterfront site, including features such as a purpose-built convention and exhibition space with a 1,000-seat venue, new retail and hospitality spaces, a large public plaza, a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel and what will be Geelong largest office tower with 14-storeys.
The project consortium includes Plenary Group, Built, BGIS, Quintessential Equity and Woods Bagot, in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Construction will begin soon, with completion of the convention centre and hotel expected in 2026.
The Victorian government is contributing over $260 million in the project, alongside a $30 million investment from the federal government and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
Ms Couzens said the jobs created by the construction of the precinct would be of huge benefit to the region, with more than 600 jobs projected to be created during the works and 270 more ongoing jobs to be created once the centre is complete.
“This centre will attract even more major events to Geelong and build more prime central accommodation, creating hundreds of jobs and boosting our region’s economy,” she said.
Quintessential Equity, responsible for the recently-constructed Wurriki Nyal Precinct, will deliver the 14-story office building
Matt O’Halloran, Quintessential’s head of development, said the office tower would form an integral part of the urban renewal project and attract occupiers such as major corporations and government agencies seeking to expand their presence in the Geelong region.
“The building will provide exemplary environmental and workplace attributes that will encourage higher frequency of attendance, supported by retail and hotel amenity,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“The precinct will enliven the Geelong Waterfront with activation throughout the working week and weekends.”
