State Government tips in extra $120m for Geelong Convention Centre, buys up Deakin car park land

The State Government has unveiled an early “Christmas present for the people of Geelong”, announcing the purchase of land and an extra $120m for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) precinct.

The State Government has unveiled an early “Christmas present for the people of Geelong”, announcing the purchase of a Deakin University carpark and an extra $120m for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) precinct.

The extra State Government funding will be used to build a luxury hotel, retail and commercial outlets at the Waterfront site, bringing the total project price tag to $294m – with $261m coming from the state, $30m from the Commonwealth and $3m from the City of Greater Geelong.

Ms Thomas praised the City Deal agreement between the three levels of government to help bring the major project to life.

The latest concept image of the GCEC project, with final designs of the facade and building yet to be completed

“This is a fantastic Christmas present for the people of Geelong, to finally be able to announce that works will commence in 2022, and that we’ve sealed the deal with Deakin,” Ms Thomas said from the Deakin University carpark on Thursday.

“We’re purchasing the land from Deakin University, and all of that is in train. We have an agreement for the sale of the land … This is a big valuable asset, and this is about fairness and ironing out any challenges we might have seen.

“We expect to see works commence in 2022, and we expect the project will take around three years to complete.”

The GCEC precinct is planned to include a 200-room luxury hotel and commercial spaces, and a 1,000-seat plenary venue with 3700sq m of flexible multipurpose space to allow large and small events to run simultaneously.

Construction of the precinct is expected to support 600 jobs, and almost 300 further ongoing jobs once completed.

Deakin car park, which will soon become the convention centre location. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The major project now accounts for almost 60 per cent of all City Deal funding – now worth more than $500m.

“The Geelong City Deal 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.

“The GCEC is the centrepiece of the Deal, and set to deliver hundreds of local jobs, provide a boost to the visitor economy, and strengthen Geelong’s reputation as a go-to events destination.”

Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher, who is also the Liberal candidate for Corangamite, welcomed Thursday’s announcement.

Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan, Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson and State Government MP Mary-Anne Thomas at the Convention centre announcement on Thursday

“Geelong is Victoria’s second biggest city and offers some of the best hospitality and tourism opportunities in Australia, with a waterfront precinct that rivals any in the country, so has deserved a convention centre precinct that will enable even more people to come and explore all we have to offer,” Cr Asher said.

The State Government would not reveal the price tag of the car park purchase, with Deakin University now set to construct a new carpark at a nearby site.

The GCEC funding boost also came as the State Government announced a $400,000 Regional Recovery Fund investment in supporting Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine, and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism to implement a Business Events Attraction platform.

Originally published as State Government tips in extra $120m for Geelong Convention Centre, buys up Deakin car park land