The development of Geelong into a hub for culture and innovation is continuing to gain momentum with the launch of Franzé Developments’ $150 million Geelong Quarter precinct – a significant mixed-use project on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Located at 44 Ryrie Street at the intersection of Fenwick Street, the 2,700 square metre site will feature a $75 million Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, the first in Australia and the largest new hotel project in the region for almost 20 years.
Geelong Quarter will also be home to the Ryrie Residences (14 luxury apartments targeting owner-occupiers), a 1,000 square metre retail plaza and 7,400 square metres of state-of-the-art commercial office space, all connected by a vibrant and highly activated street level plane.
Positioned in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct with a unique northerly aspect overlooking Corio Bay, Geelong Quarter is expected to breathe new life into the south-western end of Ryrie Street.
Designed by leading architectural firm, Architectus, the new precinct will form a visual gateway to the city centre and will be an active hub for 1,500 residents, workers and visitors each day.
Matthew Smith, Managing Principal at Architectus said Geelong Quarter embraces the future direction of Geelong while drawing inspiration from its history, with a modern take on industrial-influenced design.
“The gateway corner location has been stitched into the fabric of the city, linking pedestrian connections through the site to the adjacent cultural precinct, and activating the surrounding neighbourhood,” Mr Smith explained.
“The design draws on the history and architectural vernacular of the area, including the iconic wool stores of Geelong. The restrained palette of materials consists of folded metals, rich textured concrete, recessive glazing, local hardwood, and hand-laid brick. Brick was selected for the podium and street wall for its robust materiality and strong compositional order, reflected in many significant buildings in the city,” he said.
Paul Franzé, Founder and Managing Director of Franzé Developments, also said the brand-new precinct will provide a level of culture and connection unmatched anywhere else in the fast-growing regional city.
“Geelong Quarter aims to create a new destination for the city centre,” Mr Franzé shared.
“As Geelong continues to experience rapid growth in population and visitation, it is increasingly important to create a new link between the CBD, the arts precinct and the bay to ensure Geelong remains a highly desirable international waterfront city, with world-class facilities. There’s nothing like this in Geelong – it is our vision that this project will help to drive the city forward.”
Over 5.3 million visitors come to Geelong annually, and combined with a strong population boom there is a demand to cater for visitors to the city, as well as residents and workers.
“Geelong Quarter has been designed with this in mind, to cultivate significant activity that will add incredible value to the city,” he added.
Construction is scheduled to commence in late 2018, with completion expected in mid-2020.