Local say for events centre

GEELONG residents can have their say on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (GCEC) objectives as preparations continue for the project’s construction contracts.

The state government has opened consultation for the role the new centre will play in Geelong’s community to inform tender documents it will issue to builders and developers later this year.

An Engage Victoria survey asks locals to rank their preferred objectives for GCEC so the state government can form its request for proposal documents to the private sector.

The project’s listed objectives are to:

• Position the GCEC as Victoria’s premium regional convention, exhibition and events destination
• Revitalise central Geelong
• Drive the visitor and knowledge economies of the region
• Enhance Geelong’s position as a City of Design, and
• Create and capture value.

The survey also asks what type of events locals would like to see at the new centre and what the city could gain by having such a facility.

Engage Victoria hosted an online session last week and have scheduled an in-person event on Wednesday next week. Feedback closes on August 31.

The $294-million centre is the blue-ribbon project of the Geelong City Deal. The 1.6-hectare waterfront site would include a 200-room hotel, a 1,000-seat conference venue, open-plan multi-purpose space, and commercial and residential opportunities.

The state government says it aims to begin on-site work for the project next year for its first events in 2026.