This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
LEADING construction firms Kinetik, Geelong Live and Plenary Conventions have been shortlisted to deliver the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC).
Set to be delivered in an Public-Private Partnership (PPP), GCEC will see the Geelong waterfront transformed, bringing a boost to the region’s economy, while also driving significant social and cultural growth, as part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal between the Victorian and federal government.
“This announcement is the next step in a truly exciting project, one that will place Geelong as host to a world-class cultural facility – the Convention and Exhibition Centre – and showcase the city’s beautiful waterfront assets,” said Catherine King, federal minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government.
The PPP will see private businesses design, construct, finance and maintain the new GCEC facility and precinct, before being run by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust upon completion.
The facility will comprise a 1,000-sear event venue, a 3,700sqm multi-purpose space, a 200-room hotel and additional commercial space.
“With a waterfront precinct that rivals any in the country, Geelong deserves a convention centre precinct that will enable even more people to come and explore all we have to offer,” said Harriet Shing, Victorian minister for regional development.
Among the three bidders shortlisted, Kinetik comprises Tetris Capital, Amber Australia, Kane Constructions, ISS Facility Services, CostaFox Developments, Warren & Mahoney and Six Degrees.
While Geelong Live comprises Capella Capital, Aware Super, Lendlease Building, Honeywell, MAB Corporation, Populous, Hassell, Freadman White and Oculus.
And finally, Plenary Conventions comprises Plenary Group, Built, BGIS, Woods Bagot, WSP and 4D Workshop.
“It is fantastic to see such a high calibre of consortia eager to be a part of creating this world-class centre and precinct for the City of Geelong and its surrounds,” said Shing.
The successful final bidder is anticipated to be announced in mid-2023, following a comprehensive tender process, including extensive community and stakeholder consultations.
“I’m pleased to see this competitive bidding process will ensure a high-quality Convention and Exhibition Centre for the people of Geelong and the tourists and visitors it will attract at the great many events to be staged there in the future,” said Richard Marles, federal member for Corio.
The project is expected to support more than 600 jobs throughout the construction phase, with a further 270 ongoing jobs generated upon completion.
“This facility will present unparalleled opportunities for our region and provide a significant boost to our local economy both during and after construction. The City is grateful for the support of the Australian and Victorian governments in funding this landmark building,” concluded Peter Murrihy, mayor of the City of Greater Geelong.
Construction on GCEC is anticipated to commence construction in late-2023, with the first event at the centre to be hosted by 2026.
