Early works have commenced on the much-anticipated Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC), to prepare the site for major construction.
The preparatory works include geotechnical investigations, which are an essential part of the construction and will help prepare the land for the project’s development, ensuring that future designs take into account all relevant site considerations.
The precinct will include a 200-room luxury hotel and commercial spaces, and a 1,000-seat plenary venue which will be developed with 3,700 square metres of flexible multipurpose space to allow large and small events to run concurrently.
The GCEC will support 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs once complete. The hotel will further boost employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s visitor economy.
Next steps include an industry briefing for architects, designers and builders. The briefing will take place next month, followed by an Expression of Interest (EOI) 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 Victorian Government is contributing $261 million to the project, with the Australian Government contributing $30 million and the City of Greater Geelong contributing $3 million – bringing the total project value to $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.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit .
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, The Hon Paul Fletcher MP
“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.”
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson
“The Geelong City Deal is continuing to drive major economic growth across the Geelong region which is vital for our visitor economy.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens MP
“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.
“We know a precinct of this size will have a significant economic impact for our region, creating hundreds of jobs and becoming a magnet to events from across the state, the country and the globe.”
Quotes attributable to City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Trent Sullivan
“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.”
“The centre is set to open up significant employment, tourism and cultural opportunities for our region.”
Reviewed 24 January 2022