Gurner Group proposes $1.75 billion Geelong pier redevelopment

Developer Gurner Group and Costa Property Group have unveiled a $1.75 billion vision to transform Geelong’s historic Cunningham Pier into a luxury precinct. Designed by the American architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), the proposal features a landmark 34-storey tower at the end of the pier.

The development is planned to include a 200-room five-star luxury hotel, 280 apartments, and 5,050 square metres of office space. A unique aspect of the plan involves 12 private over-water villas located approximately 330 metres from the shore, each featuring glass-bottom living rooms and dedicated superyacht berths.

Public and recreational amenities are central to the design, including 10,500 square metres of public space, a retail and hospitality precinct, an aquatic play area, and floating recreational pontoons such as a floating pickleball court. The project aims to incorporate sustainable systems to protect marine habitats.

The proposed height of the tower exceeds the City of Greater Geelong’s current planning framework, which typically limits central city buildings to approximately 60 metres. Such developments often require state planning minister intervention to override local height restrictions.