Significant step in maritime education

THE construction of Geelong Waterfront’s new Maritime Education Complex, incorporating the Victorian Sailing School, has taken a significant step forward with a contractor appointed and demolition work to start soon.

Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore Stuart Dickson announced the appointment of Victorian company Lloyd Group to construct the complex as part of the on-land components of stage one of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct development project.

The new Maritime Education Complex will be a shared facility for the yacht club and sailing school, funded with support from the state and federal governments and City of Greater Geelong.

The facility will provide specialist programs for the community and schools from across the state, aligning with the club’s vision to promote water safety and expand junior sailing.

The Victorian School Building Authority is contributing $3.75 million to facility construction, which is expected to created more than 40 jobs during the build and be completed by the end of next year.

Commodore Dickson said the project would transform the entire precinct, including the Eastern Beach pathway across the southern frontage of the yacht club, while revitalising the waterfront, supporting tourism, education and community activities and promoting year-round visitation.

“We are pleased with the appointment of Lloyd Group to this critical first stage, which will deliver on our commitment to supporting Victorian companies and creating local jobs,” he said.

“It signals commencement of the total transformation of the precinct over the next two years, creating brilliant new community and visitor amenities and opening up our beautiful waterfront through new public space and connectivity with the city.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the revitalisation of the Waterfront was so important for the local community and it was fantastic to see the on-land component of stage one underway.

“We are proud to support the Maritime Education Complex development, which will provide first class education to students,” she said.

“The Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct development project will provide jobs and attract visitors to Geelong and benefit our local economy.”

Newcomb Secondary College principal Phil Honeywell said the partnership between all levels of government, the education department, yacht club and other stakeholders to deliver the Maritime Education Complex and sailing school was unique, with significant benefits to Geelong and schools across the state.

“The new Sailing School facility will be a vast improvement on its predecessor and will support the expansion of a diverse range of maritime education programs delivered in partnership with our school,” he said.

“It will meet the needs of students and youth groups not only in our region but right across Victoria; our school and community are extremely excited about this announcement.”

The Lloyd Group has been responsible for building other significant foreshore projects including the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club in Williamstown and the Penguins Plus Nature Exhibit on Phillip Island.

Lloyd Group director Dustin Lloyd said the company was committed to local procurement and aimed to access goods and services from the Greater Geelong region, to encourage spending locally and help support local traders and businesses.

“This includes the procurement of goods and services through Aboriginal enterprises, disability enterprises and social enterprises, and organisations supporting the employment of disadvantaged people,” Mr Lloyd said.