The Victorian government has shortlisted three architecture and construction consortia vying to deliver the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC), in what it is describing as one of the “biggest and most anticipated developments” to take place in regional Victoria this year.
The GCEC will be delivered as a public-private partnership set to revitalise the Geelong waterfront. The three shortlisted bidders are:
- Kinetik – comprising Tetris Capital, Amber Australia, Kane Constructions, ISS Facility Services, CostaFox Developments, Warren and Mahoney, and Six Degrees.
- Geelong Live – comprising Capella Capital, Aware Super, Lendlease Building, Honeywell, MAB Corporation, Populous, Hassell, Freadman White, and Oculus.
- Plenary Conventions – comprising Plenary Group, Built, BGIS, Woods Bagot, WSP, and 4D Workshop.
A successful bidder is expected to be selected from the shortlist by mid-2023, with construction slated to begin within the same year.
Once complete, the precinct will feature a 1,000-seat event venue as well as 3,700 square metres of multipurpose space, and a 200-room hotel and commercial space.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the announcement is the next step in a project that will position Geelong as host to a “world-class cultural facility” on the city’s waterfront.
Geelong City Mayor Peter Murrihy said the facility will provide “unparalleled opportunities” for the region and help to boost the local economy both during and after construction.
The GCEC is set to be the “centrepiece” of a $500 million project to revitalise Geelong and unlock the potential of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy, delivered by the Australian and Victorian governments with the City of Greater Geelong.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
