Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney (pictured above, third from left) recently joined representatives from hotel developer Plenary Group, operator IHG Hotels & Resorts and other project partners to celebrate the topping out of the $120 million project.

“Our significant investment in the hotel and retail precinct is a vote of confidence by the private sector in Geelong and its economic foundations,” says Plenary Group’s chief investment officer, Paul Crowe.

“This hotel will be the biggest and best in the region and one that will mark the next phase of Geelong’s waterfront revitalisation.

“In Crowne Plaza, we are bringing a world renowned hotel brand to one of the best locations in Geelong.

“We thank all of our project partners – in particular our builder, Built, and its large number of local subcontractors – for such great progress onsite to reach this milestone, and we look forward to finishing the job and delivering a precinct that will help strengthen and grow the tourism and major events industry in the region for decades to come.”

Plenary Group is also the lead proponent of the Plenary Conventions consortium delivering the adjacent $449 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project.

Plenary Conventions is contracted to finance, design, construct and maintain Nyaal Banyul for 25 years in partnership with the Victorian Government and its funding partners under the Geelong City Deal – the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.

“IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to be partnering with Plenary Group on Crowne Plaza Geelong and greatly appreciates the significant investment Plenary has made in helping to develop a precinct that is transforming the waterfront,” says Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ managing director, Australasia and Pacific.

“I’m looking forward to the doors opening in 2026 and providing guests with the premium experience Crowne Plaza is famous for around the world.”

The hotel and convention centre precinct development is supporting 1500 local jobs, including priority jobseekers working in a range of apprenticeship skillsets, and opportunities for women in construction.

Crowne Plaza Geelong and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will be completed and operational in the first half of 2026.