Geelong’s largest hotel, a $120 million Crowne Plaza, has marked a milestone in construction with the topping out ceremony held on Wednesday.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney joined executives from IHG Hotels and Resorts, hotel developer Plenary Group, and other project partners on the rooftop to mark the occasion.
Fully funded by Plenary Group and operated by IHG under the Crowne Plaza brand, the 200-room hotel is slated to be completed and operational in early-2026.
The hotel is part of a $250 million mixed-use precinct by Plenary Group, which will feature retail and dining destinations.
“Our significant investment in the hotel and retail precinct is a vote of confidence by the private sector in Geelong and its economic foundations,” said Plenary 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.
“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.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director – Australasia and Pacific, Matt Tripolone, welcomed the major investment from Plenary.
“IHG Hotels and 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, which is also set to be completed and operational in the first half of 2026.
Plenary Conventions has been 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.
“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,” added Crowe.
“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.”