Key details
Location
Geelong
Clients/project partners
Regional Development Victoria
Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
City of Greater Geelong
Overview
Funded by the Geelong City Deal, the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) will feature a 200-room upscale hotel and commercial spaces, with a 1,000 seat plenary venue and 3,700 square metres of multi-purpose space which will allow small and large events to run concurrently.
There will also be opportunities to activate the precinct and create better connections to the Geelong CBD and Western Beach.
The GCEC will support 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs once complete. 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 $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong – bringing the total project value to $294 million.
Development Victoria is pleased to be involved with this exciting regional project that will create hundreds of jobs during construction and ongoing jobs when complete.
To find out more about the project, view the FAQs on Regional Development Victoria's website.
Have your say on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Consultation has now closed, for updates visit the Engage Victoria webpage.
Three experienced teams are now developing their proposals following the extensive stakeholder and community consultation. The proposals will include master-planning of the entire precinct and detailed design for the convention and exhibition centre, public spaces and a 200-bed upscale hotel.
This procurement process is confidential and is undertaken between the Victorian Government and bidders. During this time, limited project updates will be available.
The preferred bidder will be announced mid-2023.
3,700 sqm event space
600 jobs during construction
270 ongoing jobs
Latest news
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Who to contact about this project
Suppliers
Local businesses and suppliers can register their interest through the Industry Capability Network (ICN) Gateway.
For all other enquiries email gcec@development.vic.gov.au
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Archaeological Works commencing on site
Public Notice 14/3/22
We will soon commence further archaeological investigation works on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre site located between Western Beach Road and Smythe Streets in central Geelong.
Under the recently approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan and with approval from Heritage Victoria and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, we are ready to begin the works to look for further indigenous and post-colonial artefacts.
The works are scheduled to start on 20 March 2023 and are estimated to be complete by the end of April 2023, depending on the nature of any findings.
The scope of the works includes continuation of investigative works at the existing ramp leading to Cavendish Street, the excavation of several large pits (25m x 25m) and a number of long trenches (1m x 20m).
We are looking to maintain as much carparking as we can on site during this time, and some alternative arrangements have been put in place which Deakin University will communicate to its staff and students.
Our team will work to ensure that the site is well-maintained and safe throughout the works period.
More substantive works are expected to begin on site in mid-2023, following the appointment of a preferred bidder.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the works, please do not hesitate to contact us at gcec@development.vic.gov.au.
Updated on 14 March 2023