Cunningham Pier redevelopment could feature 100 hotel rooms, 200 apartments
A landmark partnership between two property heavyweights promises to deliver Geelong’s “Opera House moment” with a dramatic transformation of the city’s historic pier in a project that honours the vision of the late Frank Costa.
Geelong’s famous Cunningham Pier will be transformed into a world-class accommodation, hospitality and entertainment precinct if ambitious plans put forward by a Melbourne-based developer become a reality.
Pier owner Costa Property Group has teamed up with the Gurner Group in what the duo have labelled a once-in-a-generation partnership that will put Geelong on the world stage by “drawing inspiration from Sydney Harbour’s luxury waterfront residences through to Dubai’s sculptural pier-edge towers”.
The proposal includes a six-star hotel, high-end residential offerings, restaurants, bars, public spaces and cultural venues, while the potential for cruise ship port facilities was also flagged.
Tim Gurner, founder and executive chairman of the Gurner Group, announced the plans at Cunningham Pier on Friday alongside Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj and Shirley Costa, wife of the late businessman Frank Costa who purchased the pier in 2006.
“Frank always believed the pier could be something special for Geelong,” she said.
“It means so much to know his vision is finally moving forward, and I know he’d be smiling to see it come to life for the city he loved.”
Mr Gurner is behind the luxurious Saint Moritz complex in St Kilda where the penthouse is currently for sale in the range of $33m to $36m.
He described the Cunningham Pier concept as “Saint Moritz on the Sea” and one that would become a magnet for tourism and investment, while ensuring continued public access.
He said a “design competition” would commence soon and see 3-4 architectural firms submit plans to ensure “we get the best of what’s out there around the world”.
Plans are expected to be formally submitted in the first quarter of 2026.
“We think this can really put Geelong on the map and do something that Melbourne has never been able to do, and that’s create a real icon that has global recognition,” Mr Gurner said.
“What an unbelievably unique opportunity … to do something globally important for Geelong.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Geelong on the global map – to create our version of what icons like the Opera House, Story Bridge or Empire State Building have done for other great cities.
“What comes next could define Geelong’s waterfront for the next 100 years.”
Mr Gurner said specifics had to be worked through, but he expected up to 100 hotel rooms and 200 apartments.
Pier hospitality businesses Wah Wah Gee and Wah Bah closed just prior to Christmas last year, meaning the site is effectively a car park presently.
The announcement comes after Geelong council conducted public consultation related to a refreshed waterfront masterplan that is expected to be endorsed in December.
Mr Kontelj welcomed what he called a “bold and inspiring vision” that reimagined Cunningham Pier as a global destination.
“This ambitious plan and the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre next year have the potential to take our already world-class waterfront to even greater heights,” he said.
In March 2022, the Gurner Group unveiled plans for a $300m project that would transform a former Brougham St wool store into a five-star hotel and luxury residential apartments.
Mr Gurner said sales for that project would launch early in 2026.
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Originally published as Cunningham Pier redevelopment could feature 100 hotel rooms, 200 apartments
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