The shortlist for the three leading construction business project groups vying to deliver the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) has been announced today.
The project is 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), the project is set to transform the Geelong waterfront and drive significant economic, social and cultural growth for the city and broader Geelong region.
“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,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“Once complete, the GCEC will help revitalise the city and regional economy.”
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, the Minister said.
Once complete, the state-of-the-art precinct will be run by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and will feature a 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 SixDegrees.
- 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.
“It is great to see that progress is being made on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre,” said City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Peter Murrihy.
“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.”
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 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,” said Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing.
“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.”
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: www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/.
