Quest Apartment Hotels has broken ground on a $70 million development that will bring a new 87-key apartment hotel to Geelong in regional Victoria.

Quest Geelong Central marks the second hotel in Geelong for the brand and will help to accommodate the region’s visitor economy growth plans.

The property will feature a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus conferencing facilities and ground floor dining and retail spaces.

General manager of growth and capital strategy at Quest James Shields said the hotel’s location on Gheringhap Street was strategically chosen to capture the growing corporate travel market within Geelong.

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

“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.”

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

“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,” said Shields.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Brett Ince welcomed the announcement.

“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,” he said.

Construction on the hotel is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

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