GCEC prep work begins

PREPATORY work on the new $300 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) is underway, with geotechnical investigations the first sign of development at the former Deakin University foreshore carpark.

A tender for the architect, designer and builder is yet to be issued but is likely to go out in the first half of this year according to Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, with the Minster estimating the centre’s opening date to be in 2026.

Days before Christmas the Victorian government announced an additional $120 million for the project “to include a luxury hotel, retail and commercial outlets,” adding to the $141 million already committed. That’s on top of $30 million in federal funding and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

The additional state funding is for the inclusion of a retail and commercial outlets, as well a 200-room luxury hotel that government will “be looking to partner with the private sector on,” according to Ms Thomas.

The precinct will also include a 1,000-seat venue and a 3,700 square metre multipurpose space to allow large and small events to run concurrently.

It’s estimated the project will support 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing once complete.