GURNER unveils $1.75 billion Geelong waterfront redevelopment with 34-storey tower and overwater villas

GURNER Group and joint venture partner Costa Group have unveiled plans for a $1.75 billion redevelopment of Geelong's historic Cunningham Pier, proposing a 34-storey residential and hotel tower, luxury overwater villas, commercial offices and a new public waterfront precinct.

Known as The Pier by GURNER, the project would transform the more than 300-metre-long pier into a mixed-use destination comprising 280 luxury residences, a 200-room five-star hotel, 5,050 sqm of commercial office space and more than 10,500 sqm of public realm.

International architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has been appointed to design the project following a nine-month international design competition.

SOM, whose portfolio includes Dubai's Burj Khalifa, New York's One World Trade Center and Shanghai's Jin Mao Tower, was selected ahead of several high-profile architecture practices, including Zaha Hadid Architects, Bjarke Ingels Group, UNStudio and 3XN.

The centrepiece of the proposed redevelopment is a 34-storey tower at the end of Cunningham Pier, which will accommodate the five-star hotel and a collection of luxury apartments.

Levels 10 to 30 will house what GURNER has called The Super Yacht Collection, with most residences oriented north to capture uninterrupted views across Corio Bay.

Among the more unusual elements of the proposal are 12 private overwater villas positioned approximately 300 metres from shore at the end of the pier.

Each villa is proposed to include a private superyacht berth and a glass-bottom living room offering views of the marine environment beneath the building.

The villas would introduce a residential offering rarely seen in Australia, with direct access to the water forming a central part of the design.

Beyond the residential and hotel components, GURNER and Costa Group are proposing a substantial redevelopment of the public areas along Cunningham Pier.

More than 10,500 sqm of public realm would include a waterfront promenade with retail and hospitality venues, recreational pontoons and a floating pickleball court.

At the foreshore entrance, a new Aqua Plaza would provide a family-friendly aquatic play area, amphitheatre-style seating, a kiosk and public open space.

The design also incorporates measures intended to protect marine habitats and encourage marine life beneath and around the pier.

GURNER Group founder and executive chair Tim Gurner said the project represented a significant investment in Geelong's future.

"Geelong is one of the most exciting cities in the country right now with a Mayor and Council who are prepared to be bold and create a true icon for their city," Gurner said.

"The Pier by GURNER is our vote of confidence in its future. We're backing Geelong because we believe it deserves a waterfront that stands alongside the very best in the world."

Gurner said the development was intended to create a destination for residents and visitors while generating additional economic activity along the waterfront.

"This is about so much more than buildings. It's jobs, new customers for local businesses, a new destination for cruise visitors arriving on our doorstep, and a new reason for people to come to Geelong and stay longer."

SOM partner Scott Duncan said the architecture had been influenced by the site's marine setting, with the tower designed to create a distinctive new addition to Geelong's skyline.

"The architectural design takes inspiration from marine forms and the water itself, culminating in the undulating landmark tower that will shimmer across the open bay," Duncan said.

The project would add to a period of significant investment along Geelong's waterfront, including the recently opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the Cunningham Pier proposal had the potential to build on that investment and strengthen the city's tourism and hospitality offering.

"This is the kind of bold, city-shaping investment that reflects Geelong's confidence, ambition and growing reputation as one of Australia's most exciting regional cities," Kontelj said.

The Pier would also extend the relationship between GURNER and SOM, which are already collaborating on the redevelopment of Melbourne's Jam Factory precinct and 424 St Kilda Road.

The proposed redevelopment remains a vision at this stage, with GURNER yet to detail a planning approval or construction timeline.