GMHBA building in Geelong to become home to ‘flagship’ medical centre after other tenants could not be found

Empty since opening in 2021, GMHBA wants to ‘activate’ the ground floor of its HQ with an array of medical services.

GMHBA will launch its flagship medical centre in Geelong’s CBD next year.

The ground floor of the GMHBA building on Moorabool St is set to be transformed into a medical centre, finally activating a space that has been empty since opening more than two years ago.

GMHBA would operate the 770sq metre centre, incorporating general medical, physiotherapy, dental and optical services.

As part of the plan, GMHBA would move its health insurance branch and eye care practice from Westfield to the new centre.

The centre is planned to open next year and mirror GMHBA’s recently opened “health hub” in Belmont.

It would be accessible to the general public, not just those insured with GMHBA.

The project must be ticked off by the state government as minor amendments to the original planning permit are required.

The internal layout of the ground floor would be altered, including the removal of some walls and the construction of consulting rooms.

There would be no change to the building height or footprint.

“The proposal will contribute jobs to the area, where the current retail tenancy spaces have failed to attract tenants and employees,” the application states.

“The ground level medical centres will enhance central Geelong’s role as an activity centre, by facilitating additional pedestrian activity in and surrounding the building.”

There would be no dedicated parking for clients, with several multi-level car parks and public transport connections nearby.

A dental clinic opened next door to GMHBA at 82 Moorabool St earlier this year.

GMHBA chief executive David Greig said there was growing demand for primary and allied health services in Geelong.

“GMHBA will open a multidisciplinary health hub in 2024, bringing together private health insurance, dental, eye care, medical and physiotherapy services under the one roof,” he said.

GMHBA partnered with Quintessential to develop $100m building at 60-80 Moorabool St.

Opened in mid-2021, it serves as GMHBA’s headquarters and home to its almost 300 employees.

Other tenants include Morris Finance and KPMG, which opened its office on level eight in August.

GMHBA’s health hub on High St in Belmont opened in July.

Originally published as GMHBA building in Geelong to become home to ‘flagship’ medical centre after other tenants could not be found