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Construction is under way for an expansion of the Novotel Geelong on the city’s waterfront with the $75 million project said to be the largest hotel development ever undertaken in the port city.
The 11-storey project, which will deliver 134 guestrooms, including 15 apartment-style suites, will take Novotel Geelong’s total offering to 243 rooms.
Project developer ERDI Group owns and operates the existing Novotel Geelong, which is located on Eastern Beach Road, as well as Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Mercure Welcome Melbourne and Saint Kilda Beach Hotel.
When completed, the development will make Novotel Geelong the city’s largest hotel, while introducing a range of amenities including a state-of-the-art wellness centre and a 125-seat brasserie-style restaurant.
The new restaurant is designed to complement the hotel’s award-winning Tempo Kitchen & Bar, with both indoor and outdoor dining and sweeping 360-degree panoramic views 36 metres above the bay.
The development also includes 1,200sqm of combined event space across both the existing hotel and new tower, strengthening Geelong’s capacity to attract and host conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events.
“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,” says ERDI Group CEO Ricky Jeffs.
“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.”
ERDI Group’s confidence in the Geelong market is supported by the strong performance of the existing Novotel Geelong since the company opened the hotel in 2001.
The company says the local visitor market has been buoyed by increased tourism numbers to the Bellarine and Surf Coast, while Geelong is also benefitting from a rise in business travel.
“Novotel Geelong has always been a place people love to stay, and this new tower will take the hotel to the next level,” says Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific’s chief operating officer.
“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.”
ERDI Group has appointed Melbourne-based Ireland Brown Constructions to deliver the new hotel which is designed by PACT Architects.
“We are proud to be partnering with ERDI Group and Accor on such a transformative project for Geelong,” says Tom McKay, constructions and delivery director at Ireland Brown Constructions.
“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.”
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