Geelong Quarter development on Ryrie St looking to replace office space with wellness centre

A Melbourne company specialising in health and wellness centres is looking to launch its first Geelong offering within a recently completed CBD hotel and apartment development.

The Geelong Quarter development at 40-44 Ryrie St is looking to add a health and wellness offering. Picture: Alan Barber.

A Melbourne company specialising in health and wellness centres is looking to launch its first Geelong offering within a recently completed CBD hotel and apartment development.

Franze Developments, the group behind the Geelong Quarter development at 40-44 Ryrie St, has sought approval from the Department of Transport and Planning to amend its permit that would allow the move to occur.

If approved, as expected, the centre would fill the eastern-most retail tenancy on Ryrie St, as well as a space that backs onto Cuzens Place at the rear of the building that was initially earmarked for offices.

As it stands, all Geelong Quarter ground floor retail spaces are vacant.

Developer Paul Franze, who opened the building in June alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Corio MP Richard Marles in June, said the change reflected current demand.

Paul Franze and Richard Marles at the opening. Picture: Brad Fleet.

“We are spending less time at the office and placing greater emphasis on health and wellness,” he said.

“Geelong Quarter has the opportunity to offer an innovative and prestigious health and wellness facility at Ryrie St, not only for our residents and hotel guests, but the entire Geelong community.”

Mr Franze said further details would follow Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approval of the amendment.

The operating hours of the centre would be 5.30am to 11pm, with eight staff expected to be employed across the two tenancies.

“The proposed gymnasium (wellness centre) provides an important community facility and amenity function for the approved residential hotel and dwellings on the site,” the application states.

There would be no dedicated car parking spaces as clients are expected to be mostly hotel guests, apartment residents, or people visiting on foot or bike.

“We respectfully request this is practical and an appropriate outcome for this area of the Geelong CBD,” the application states.

Geelong Quarter is a 15-storey project comprising two towers with 124 apartments and a 180-room Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites.

Originally published as Geelong Quarter development on Ryrie St looking to replace office space with wellness centre