The shortlist for the three leading construction business project groups vying to deliver the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) has today been announced.
This marks an exciting milestone in one of the biggest and most anticipated developments to be undertaken anywhere in regional Victoria.
With the GCEC build to be delivered as an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP), this project will transform the Geelong waterfront and drive significant economic, social and cultural growth for the whole city and broader Geelong region.
The PPP will bring together private business groups to design, construct, finance and maintain the new facility and the precinct, harnessing the ingenuity of some of Victoria’s most creative designers, builders and developers whilst ensuring the GCEC remains a world-class public asset for years to come.
Once complete, the state-of-the-art precinct will be run by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and will feature a magnificent 1,000-seat event venue, 3,700 square metres of multi-purpose space, and a 200-room upscale hotel and commercial spaces.
The three shortlisted bidders include some of the most well respected and experienced construction firms in Victoria:
- Kinetik – comprising Tetris Capital, Amber Australia, Kane Constructions, ISS Facility Services, CostaFox Developments, Warren & Mahoney and Six Degrees.
- Geelong Live – comprising Capella Capital, Aware Super, Lendlease Building, Honeywell, MAB Corporation, Populous, Hassell, Freadman White and Oculus.
- Plenary Conventions – comprising Plenary Group, Built, BGIS, Woods Bagot, WSP and 4D Workshop.
Following a comprehensive tender process, involving extensive community and stakeholder consultations, the successful bidder is expected to be announced in mid-2023, with construction to start in late 2023 and the first event to be hosted in 2026.
It is anticipated the project will support over six hundred jobs during the construction phase, and an additional 270 ongoing jobs created once the facility is up and running.
It embodies the Australian and Victorian governments’ fundamental belief in regional communities having equal access to the opportunities offered by world-class cultural facilities, wherever they live, shaping regional excellence and growth for generations to come.
The GCEC is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal, a $500 million commitment between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong. For more information visit: .
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“This announcement is the next step in a truly exciting project, one that will place Geelong as host to a world-class cultural facility – the Convention and Exhibition Centre – and showcase the city’s beautiful waterfront assets.
“Once complete, the GCEC will help revitalise the city and regional economy.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing:
“It is fantastic to see such a high calibre of consortia eager to be a part of creating this world-class centre and precinct for the City of Geelong and its surrounds.”
“With a waterfront precinct that rivals any in the country, Geelong deserves a convention centre precinct that will enable even more people to come and explore all we have to offer.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles:
“I’m pleased to see this competitive bidding process will ensure a high-quality Convention and Exhibition Centre for the people of Geelong and the tourists and visitors it will attract at the great many events to be staged there in the future.
“The successful bid and the following building project will bring a welcome boost to jobs and economic growth for Geelong and surrounding areas.”
“The Albanese Government is delivering for Geelong, providing key infrastructure to the region.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens:
“Today is an exciting announcement, taking us a step closer to the commencement of the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“With three experienced consortia putting their hands up to deliver the GCEC, I have no doubt this centre and precinct will be second to none.”
Quotes attributable to City of Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy:
“It is great to see that progress is being made on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“This facility will present unparalleled opportunities for our region and provide a significant boost to our local economy both during and after construction.
“The City is grateful for the support of the Australian and Victorian governments in funding this landmark building.”
Reviewed 17 August 2022