Major works on Geelong’s newest convention and exhibition centre take a step closer to commencing following the announcement of a preferred bidder to build the project as well as the unveiling of the proposed designs for the iconic building.
Plenary Conventions consortium has been appointed to lead the delivery of the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct development, which is the centrepiece of the $500 million Geelong City Deal.
The consortium is comprised of Plenary Group as sponsor and investor, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect, BGIS as services contractor and Quintessential Equity as developer.
“This project is a game-changer for a rapidly growing region, generating hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars into the local economy – once complete it will be yet another drawcard for this vibrant, prosperous and beautiful part of the state,” VIC Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing said.
The project will include the construction of a purpose-built convention and exhibition facility that incorporates a 1,000-seat venue as well as two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.
The overall precinct will feature retail spaces for food and beverage offerings, a large public plaza that is set to become a key element of the Geelong waterfront, and a 200-room Crown Plaza Hotel.
“The City of Geelong has undergone significant growth in recent years. This development will build on its reputation as a business and sporting powerhouse in regional Victoria,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
The transformation of the 1.6-hectare waterfront car parking site into an iconic convention and exhibition precinct is expected to create more than 600 jobs during the construction phase and a further 270 ongoing jobs once the precinct is completed. In addition, the hotel will help boost employment opportunities and strengthen the visitor economy of the region.
For this project, the Victorian Government is helping local organisation gforce to recruit about 30 new local apprentices and trainees who are experiencing a disadvantage in entering the workforce. The apprentices will be employed full-time for the entire duration of their apprenticeship and until they secure full-time employment with private contractors.
“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,” State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said.
“This centrepiece project will take our business and short-stay offering to a new level, deliver a wide range of opportunitied for existing local businesses and expand our labour market,” City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr Trent Sullivan said.
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is being consulted on the project’s design, identity and recognition of local cultural heritage.
Once the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre is up and running, it will be operated and managed by the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Trust (MCET).
“We’re looking forward to leveraging MCET’s experience, capability and global networks to bring a host of exciting and important events to Geelong, and working with the community to grow the region’s well-earned reputation as a destination,” Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said.
The Australian Government has committed $30 million through the Geelong City Deal to deliver the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre along with $260 million from the Victorian Government and $3 million from the City of Geelong.
Preliminary works are already underway on site and major construction is due to begin soon. The new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre is expected to be completed in 2026.
“The Australian Government is pleased to be contributing to what will be one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria and is expected to start soon.
“This exciting new project for Geelong will not only bring great employment opportunities during the build, but a much-needed, long-lasting venue and facility for the future of this part of Victoria,” Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles said.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Regional Development Victoria (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government