Nestled in the lush botanical gardens within the Eastern Park Precinct, the BEKL development of the new Geelong Conference Centre is set to become a stunning destination hotel and conferencing facility that caters to city escapes, corporate retreats or events, exhibitions, birthdays and weddings, with wellness at its core.
BEKL purchased the 1.6-hectare site in March, which boasts a building area of 4,500 square metres, including seven conference rooms, 46 accommodation suites inclusive of four two-bedroom suites, a restaurant, guest lounge and bar, multi-purpose mezzanine floor, full commercial kitchen and sprawling gardens. The site also features an in-ground swimming pool and spa, laying the foundations for a unique redevelopment like no other Geelong has seen.
BEKL Managing Director Katherine Liu said the development will bring an internationally artistic feel, while drawing local inspiration from its botanical surrounds and ‘bush retreat’ heritage, placing emphasis on the human experience.
“An intrinsic part of our design process is using sustainable and high quality urban renewal practises.
“We are huge advocates for the practice of biophilic design; connecting people and nature within our built environments as a means of reducing stress levels, increasing mood and the overall feeling of wellbeing. This will be a big focus as we move to create a wellness destination to be enjoyed, be it by corporate guests, leisure travellers or locals,” she said.