Builder announced for $128m Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street redevelopment

Local tradespeople are set to benefit when works begin on the Little Malop Street stage of Geelong Arts Centre’s transformation.

The Victorian Government today announced the appointment of Australian property company Lendlease to deliver the $128 million project.

Lendlease’s ‘Geelong First’ commitment will put local partnerships, skills and innovation at the heart of the project. It will ensure that local suppliers and tradespeople are invited to tender on works packages throughout construction, including local social enterprises.

This is a unique opportunity to once again partner with Development Victoria and deliver an arts precinct of the highest standard for Victoria’s second largest city. In doing so we will bring a breadth of opportunity for Geelong’s local suppliers and trades. Our ‘Geelong First’ commitment will ensure that both local suppliers and tradespeople are invited to tender on works packages throughout construction, bringing an economic boost to the city, says Bill Alexandrakis, General Manager, Lendlease Building, Victoria.

Lendlease will participate in the GROW initiative that works to reduce unemployment and promote the social prosperity of the region.

Lendlease has a long history of delivering major cultural projects throughout Australia, including Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company and University of Melbourne’s Ian Potter Southbank Centre.

Funded by the Victorian Government, Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment will completely transform the existing building, providing new performance venues, vibrant new indoor and outdoor areas, dining options, box office and front and back of house facilities.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said, “Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street transformation will bring new jobs, economic activity and opportunities to the region – during its construction phase and beyond.”

Designed by award-winning Victorian architects ARM, it is set to be another striking addition to Geelong’s cultural landscape, furthering the city’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design.

Lendlease will now commence a period of investigation and planning, along with the current project team, to further develop the design and to plan construction over the coming months.

We are delighted that the Little Malop Street Redevelopment will be a driver for work for Geelong’s network of quality local suppliers, contractors and organisations. We look forward to connecting the Geelong community with opportunities through Lendlease and delivering an iconic and beautiful cultural asset for Geelong, said Geelong Arts Centre CEO, Joel McGuinness .

For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment, visit development.vic.gov.au/GAC