The Plenary Conventions consortium has been selected as the preferred proponent for the development of the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct.
The project will be delivered out through a public-private partnership (PPP), with the Plenary Conventions consortium leading the financing, design, construction, and maintenance of the facility for a 25-year period.
The partnership includes the Victorian Government and its funding partners, in collaboration with the Geelong City Deal, the Australian Government, and City of Greater Geelong.
Project Scope and Location
Located on the picturesque Geelong waterfront, this state-of-the-art centre will feature a purpose-built convention and exhibition space, including a 1,000-seat venue, two large exhibition areas, conference facilities, flexible event spaces, and meeting rooms with stunning views of Corio Bay.
In addition to the convention and exhibition space, the project will include commercial development, highlighted by a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel, making it Geelong’s largest hotel. The precinct will also encompass other retail and commercial spaces, with the potential for a future commercial office tower.
This highly anticipated Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct is poised to transform the area, bringing immense benefits to the local community and solidifying Geelong’s position as a thriving regional destination.
Plenary Conventions Consortium
The Plenary-led consortium was one of the three JVs shortlisted by the Victorian Government in August/2022 after a preliminary expression of interest (EOI) process, which also included:
- Kinetik – Tetris Capital, Amber Australia, Kane Constructions, ISS Facility Services, MONNO Projects, Warren & Mahoney and Six Degrees.
- Geelong Live – Capella Capital, Aware Super, Lendlease Building, Honeywell, MAB Corporation, Populous, Hassell, Freadman White and Oculus.
The Plenary Conventions consortium was appointed as the preferred tenderer almost one year after the release of the EOI results. The successful consortium has the following participants:
| Consortium Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Plenary Group | Sponsor, Investor, Hotel and Commercial Office Developer, Asset Manager |
| Built | Builder |
| BGIS | Facilities Management Services Contractor |
| Quintessential Equity | Commercial Office Development Partner and Investor |
| Woods Bagot | Lead in Design and Architecture |
The Plenary Conventions consortium is now entering a period of exclusive negotiations with the Victorian Government to finalise contract details and achieve financial closure, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4 2023).
Construction is set to commence shortly, with an early works package scheduled before the contract and financial close.
Local Employment focus
A focus on maximizing local content and job opportunities is a key aspect of the project. Built will be working closely with local subcontractors and suppliers to ensure a significant impact on the local community.
A partnership with gforce will support 28 new local apprentice and trainee positions from disadvantaged backgrounds, boosting local employment prospects and contributing to the region’s visitor economy.
Plenary Leadership Statement
John O’Rourke, Plenary Group Chair, expressed the consortium’s enthusiasm in partnering with the Victorian Government and stakeholders to realize this exciting project.
The development is seen as an opportunity to enhance Geelong’s standing as a leading regional city, a hub for tourism, business events, and retail, while creating numerous job opportunities and further contributing to the region’s visitor and tourism economies.
“This project provides a great opportunity for Geelong and the greater Bellarine and Surf Coast region to add to its reputation as a leading regional city and a tourism, business events and retail destination, creating local job opportunities and further contributing to Greater Geelong’s visitor and tourism economies”
(John O’Rourke, Plenary Group Chair)
