Geelong’s largest hotel reaches new heights

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA: Construction of Geelong’s largest hotel, the $120 million Crowne Plaza Geelong, has reached its highest point, marking a major milestone for the city’s newest tourism asset.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney joined representatives from hotel developer Plenary Group, operator IHG Hotels & Resorts and other project partners on the rooftop of to celebrate the topping out of the hotel’s structure and share their excitement for what’s to come when the hotel opens in 2026.

The hotel is being full funded by leading investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure and real assets, Plenary Group, and will be operated by IHG under the Crowne Plaza brand.

When completed and operational in early-2026, the 200-room hotel will be Geelong’s largest, part of a total $250 million being invested by Plenary in the precinct in associated retail, commercial and mixed-use spaces.

Plenary Chief Investment Officer Paul Crowe said, “Our significant investment in the hotel and retail precinct is a vote of confidence by the private sector in Geelong and its economic foundations. 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.”

“The hotel and retail offerings throughout the precinct will attract people from around the world. One highlight will be the public rooftop bar available for locals and visitors to enjoy some of the best views in Geelong. Our major investment backs the future of Geelong as the beating heart of some of the greatest tourism attractions in Australia including the wine and produce coming out of the Bellarine Peninsula, world-class sporting facilities and major events, the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road.

“We thank all of our project partners, in particular our builder Built and their large number of local subcontractors, for such great progress on site 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.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director – Australasia & Pacific Matt Tripolone said, “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. I’m looking forward to the doors opening in 2026 and providing guests with the premium experience that Crowne Plaza is famous for around the world. This is an incredibly exciting development and IHG is delighted to be part of a new precinct that is sure to be a crown jewel for the city.”

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.

The hotel and convention centre precinct development is supporting around 1,500 local jobs including priority jobseekers working in a range of apprenticeship skillsets and opportunities for women in construction.

The Crowne Plaza Geelong and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre are both set to be completed and operational in the first half of 2026.

View the joint Australian Government, Victorian Government, and City of Greater Geelong media release.