Geelong’s second Quest

QUEST’s latest $70 million mixed-use hotel has broken ground in Geelong with 87-apartment styled rooms set to be built at 71-77 Gheringhap Street.

As a result of the ongoing partnership with developers Pellicano, Quest Geelong Central is set to capitalise on the region’s growing corporate travel market.

Quest general manager of growth and capital strategy, James Shields, said the hotel will create more extended stay opportunities.

“The Geelong economy is undergoing a structural transition from a manufacturing dominated economy to one driven by tourism and related services,” he said.

“We’re forecasting strong growth over the medium to long term given Geelong’s close proximity to Melbourne, growing events schedule and the ongoing gentrification of old industrial spaces.”

REMPLAN has estimated Geelong’s population will grow by 100,000 people over the next 15 years.

“With the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania opening in late 2022 and Geelong Fast Rail set to commence in 2023, Quest has invested to capture the significant local leisure and corporate travel market,” Mr Shields said.

An official sod turning event was scheduled for June 3, 2021, but was cancelled as a result of the statewide lockdown.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens, who was set to attend the official proceedings, said the new build will help create more local jobs.

“Tourism will benefit from having more central Geelong accommodation, and this will boost our local economy,” she said.

Work on Quest Geelong Central was further welcomed by executive director of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, Brett Ince.

“This location, so close to our culture, sporting and events precincts, provides an excellent option for visitors to extend their stay and enjoy more of the experiences on offer in the city and beyond,” he said.

Following completion in early 2023, Pellicano will become one of the largest private serviced apartment building owners in Australia.

Managing director Nando Pellicano said he was proud of the ongoing collaboration with Quest.

“At completion, this new property in Geelong will represent the eight projects we have undertaken with Quest, and the sixth Quest Apartment Hotel building we have retained under our ownership with a total of 560 rooms,” he said.

“A mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, plus ground floor dining and retail spaces in addition to a rooftop gymnasium and conferencing facilities, combine to create an attractive accommodation destination for travellers to Geelong.”

Councillor Peter Murrihy, chair of Economic Development portfolio, said the mixed-use building will provide a central location for visitors to explore the region while encouraging more overnight stays.

“This new hotel will further support the growing visiting friends and relatives market and attract international visitors when we’re able to welcome them back,” Cr Murrihy said.