Bidders for convention centre build revealed

THE shortlist for the three groups in contention to deliver the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) has been revealed.

With the GCEC build to be delivered as a 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 while ensuring the GCEC remains a world-class public asset for years to come.

Once complete, the 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 experienced construction firms in Victoria.

They are:

* 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, and

* 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 by mid-next year, with construction to start in late 2023 and the first event to be hosted in 2026.

It is anticipated the project will support more than 600 jobs during the construction phase, and an additional 270 ongoing jobs created once the facility is up and running.

The GCEC is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal, a $500 million commitment between the federal and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.

“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,” Corio federal member Richard Marles said.

“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.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said last week’s announcement took the start of works on GCEC a step closer.

“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.”

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy welcokmed the progress on GCEC.

“This facility will present unparalleled opportunities for our region and provide a significant boost to our local economy both during and after construction,” he said.

“The city is grateful for the support of the Australian and Victorian governments in funding this landmark building.”

For more information, head to infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong.