Geelong convention centre, Queenscliff Ferry Terminal making quick progress

One of Geelong’s major City Deal projects is quickly taking shape, while early works are soon set to commence on the fully funded convention centre.

The $15.9 million redevelopment of the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal is taking shape with the foundations and cement poured for the ground floor and level one.

The project is on track for completion later this year and will improve services between Queenscliff and Sorrento offering passengers a world class, enjoyable experience with modern facilities and bathrooms, safer access, improved carparking and opportunities for retail such as cafes and tourism ventures.

Federal communications, urban infrastructure, cities and arts minister Paul Fletcher said the new ferry terminal was a key project being funded through the Geelong City Deal.

Construction of the new Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry terminal, as of Dec 22, 2021. Picture: Alan Barber

“The Geelong City Deal is delivering over $500 million in investment across the Geelong region as part of a 10-year partnership between all three levels of government to revitalise the city and unlock the potential of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The project will not only improve services across Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento, it will generate local employment opportunities by supporting up to 85 new jobs during construction and an additional 25 new ongoing jobs within the ferry operations.”

Victorian minister for regional development Mary-Anne Thomas said the project will be a game-changer for the community.

“The Geelong City Deal continues to provide both social and economic benefits for the whole region.”

Geelong convention centre plans in motion

Work on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre is a step closer, with an industry briefing for architects, designers and builders due to take place next month.

Early works including geotechnical investigations, which are an essential part of the construction and will help prepare the land for the project’s development, have begun.

An Expression of Interest process is expected to take place soon.

Details of commercial opportunities to activate the precinct and create better connections to the CBD and Western Beach, such as the hotel, will be determined through the EOI process.

The precinct will include a 200-room luxury hotel and commercial spaces, and a 1,000-seat plenary venue which will be developed with 3700 square metres of flexible multipurpose space to allow large and small events to run concurrently.

The GCEC is expected support 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs once complete.

Geelong Conference Centre design concept. Picture: Supplied

The hotel will further boost employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s visitor economy.

The Victorian Government is contributing $261 million to the project, with the Australian Government contributing $30 million and the City of Greater Geelong contributing $3 million – bringing the total project value to $294 million.

“This project is creating hundreds of jobs during construction as well as ongoing jobs when complete and will play a key role in attracting new visitors to the region for decades to come,” Victorian regional development minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.

The project is funded through the Geelong City Deal – now valued at more than $500 million – which is a 10-year plan to revitalise Geelong through critical infrastructure.

“The GCEC is the one of the key projects in the Geelong City Deal, which is a commitment from all three levels of government to deliver transformational infrastructure projects that enhance the liveability and vibrancy of the city,” federal communications, urban infrastructure, cities and the arts minister Paul Fletcher said.

Originally published as Geelong convention centre, Queenscliff Ferry Terminal making quick progress