Request for proposal developed for Geelong Convention Centre

01/12/2022

Planning is underway on the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct (GCEC), one of the biggest developments underway in regional Victoria as part of the Geelong City Deal.

Three experienced teams are now developing their proposals following extensive stakeholder and community consultation on the vision for the project.

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. The preferred bidder will be announced mid-2023.

The Requests for Proposal (RFP) documents include the requirements of government and the future operator, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust. The documents follow extensive community consultation and reflect the views of local stakeholders and the community.

The precinct is being delivered as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP). The model will bring together private business groups to design, construct, finance and maintain the new centre and the precinct. The project will harness the ingenuity of some of Victoria’s most creative designers, builders, and developers, ensuring the GCEC remains a world-class public asset for years to come.

The project team at Rural and Regional Victoria and Development Victoria have worked with local community organisation Give Where You Live Foundation via their GROW initiative, to ensure lasting social and economic benefits for the region beyond the centre itself.

The GROW initiative is working to change the outlook for areas of high unemployment across the G21 region by creating more job opportunities for long term job seekers.

The Victorian Government is investing more than $261 million in this $294 million project, alongside contributions from partners the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.

Find out more at Geelong City Deal.