Early works begin on VIC Geelong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Following the announcement of an additional $120 million funding in December 2021, early works have now commenced on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) project in Victoria. 

These works include geotechnical investigations, which are vital to the GCEC’s construction. The ground investigations will also prepare the project site for major development activities and will ensure that future designs “take into account all relevant site considerations”. 

The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct will comprise of a 200-room luxury hotel and commercial spaces as well as a 1,000-seat plenary venue that features a 3,700-SQM of flexible multipurpose space, allowing small and large events to take place at the same time. 

“It’s great to see this project moving forward and already creating a buzz in the community about the benefits this project will bring to the people of Geelong,” Member for Geelong Christing Couzens MP said. 

“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,” City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said. 

The development is expected to support up to 600 jobs during its construction phase and about 270 ongoing jobs upon completion. The hotel is set to help boost employment opportunities as well as strengthen tourism in the region. 

Next month, an industry briefing for architects, designers and builders is going to be conducted. The Expressions of Interest (EOI) process will follow and details of commercial opportunities to activate the precinct as well as the creation of better connections to the CBD and Western Beach will be determined at this time. 

“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. 

“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,” Victorian Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said. 

The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments along with the City of Greater Geelong, each contributing $30 million, $261 million and $3 million respectively. 

This $294 million project is being delivered through the Geelong City Deal – a $500 million, 10-year plan to revitalise Geelong through the delivery of critical infrastructure. 

“Today 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 Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher MP said. 

“GCEC, as a key City Deal project, will not only be a major drawcard for the tourism and events sector but will deliver a massive boost to the revitalisation of central Geelong. It is wonderful to see the early works on the GCEC underway,” Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said. 

Source: Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; G21 Geelong Region Alliance