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Geelong: A new Quest is huge boost for local economy

Breaking ground: Quest Geelong Central apartments, conference, dining and retail to open Q1 2023

Quest and development partner Pellicano have broken ground on a new $70-million mixed-use development encompassing an 87-apartment hotel at 71-77 Gheringhap Street Geelong to be known as Quest Geelong Central.

Quest Geelong Central

General Manager of Growth & Capital Strategy at Quest, James Shields, said the site on Gheringhap Street was chosen to capture the growing extended-stay corporate travel market within Geelong.

He said: “The Geelong economy is undergoing a structural transition from a manufacturing dominated economy to one driven by tourism and related services.

“We’re forecasting strong growth over the medium to long term given Geelong’s close proximity to Melbourne, growing events schedule and the ongoing gentrification of old industrial spaces.

“With the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania opening in late 2022 and Geelong Fast Rail set to commence in 2023, Quest has invested to capture the significant local leisure and corporate travel market,” added James. 

Councillor Peter Murrihy, Chair of the Economic Development portfolio said: The Geelong Quest Central project will support local employment, generate more overnight stays and provide a central location for visitors to explore everything our beautiful city-region has to offer. This new hotel will further support the growing visiting friends and relatives market and attract international visitors when we’re able to welcome them back.”

According to REMPLAN, Geelong’s population is forecast to grow by 100,000 over the next 15 years. 

Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong said: “The construction of Geelong Quest Central means more jobs for Geelong. Tourism to Geelong will benefit from having more central Geelong accommodation, and this will boost our local economy.”

Managing Director of Pellicano, Nando Pellicano, said he was proud of the long-standing relationship with Quest. “At completion, this new property in Geelong will represent the eight projects we have undertaken with Quest, and the sixth Quest Apartment Hotel building we have retained under our ownership with a total of 560 rooms,” he said.

“A mix of studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, plus ground floor dining and retail spaces in addition to a rooftop gymnasium and conferencing facilities combine to create an attractive accommodation destination for travellers to Geelong.”

The hotel was designed by Peddle Thorp and RPC Architects, and the builder will be Ireland Brown. Construction on the hotel is expected to be completed in Q1 2023.

Brett Ince, Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine said: “Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine is thrilled to welcome another Quest property to our region. This location, so close to our culture, sporting and events precincts, provides an excellent option for visitors to extend their stay and enjoy more of the experiences on offer in the city and beyond.” 

An official sod turning event for Quest Geelong Central scheduled for 3 June 2021 was cancelled due to the Victorian circuit-breaker lockdown. Christine Couzens, State Member for Geelong, Brett Ince, Executive Director of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, and Councillor Peter Murrihy from the City Of Greater Geelong were all set to attend in support of the project.

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