Geelong also kicking goals off the field this week – Construction starts on Novotel Geelong’s $75m new hotel tower
Record hotel development reinforces Geelong’s visitor economy growth
Construction has officially commenced on a striking new 11-storey hotel tower at Novotel Geelong, marking the single largest hotel development in the city’s history and underscoring the strength of Geelong’s visitor economy.
The $75 million project, owned by ERDI Group, will deliver an additional 134 guestrooms, including 15 apartment-style suites, taking Novotel Geelong’s total offering to 243 rooms. Once complete, it will become Geelong’s largest hotel, cementing its position as the city’s flagship waterfront destination.
Located immediately south of the existing hotel, the new tower will feature a state-of-the-art wellness centre and a 125-seat brasserie-style restaurant. Designed to complement the hotel’s award-winning Tempo Kitchen & Bar, the restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor dining and sweeping 360-degree panoramic views 36 metres above the bay.
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The development will also expand the hotel’s capacity for business events, with 1200 square metres of combined event space across both the existing hotel and new tower. This will strengthen Geelong’s ability to attract and host conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale gatherings.
Melbourne-based Ireland Brown Constructions is delivering the project, while PACT Architects have been tasked with designing a contemporary, future-focused addition to the Geelong skyline. The new tower is expected to open in 2027.
ERDI Group Chief Executive Officer, Ricky Jeffs, said: “Geelong is undergoing an incredible transformation, and we see an exciting future ahead for the city as both a visitor destination and a business hub. By creating Geelong’s largest and most impressive hotel, we’re not only elevating the Novotel Geelong experience but also making a long-term commitment to supporting the city’s growth and its thriving tourism economy. This expansion is about future-proofing the hotel, ensuring we can meet the needs of business and leisure travellers for decades to come.”
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Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, said: “Novotel Geelong has always been a place people love to stay, and this new tower will take the hotel to the next level. It will put Geelong firmly on the map as one of Australia’s best destinations for conferences, events and tourism. We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of this landmark project with our long-term partner ERDI, whose vision and investment continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Geelong’s tourism and hospitality scene. This project is a true reflection of the incredible energy and growth the city is experiencing.”
Ireland Brown Constructions Construction & Delivery Director, Tom McKay, added: “We are proud to be partnering with ERDI Group and Accor on such a transformative project for Geelong. Beyond creating an iconic new hotel for the waterfront, this development will generate substantial employment during construction and long-term jobs for the community once open in 2027.”
Since opening in 2001, Novotel Geelong has consistently led the local hotel market, securing multiple industry accolades, including Regional Accommodation of the Year at the 2024 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence. Its signature restaurant, Tempo Kitchen & Bar, was recently named Regional Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 awards. The latest development represents another major milestone in the hotel’s ongoing evolution, reinforcing Geelong’s reputation as one of Victoria’s fastest-growing leisure and business destinations.
