Search commences for builder to construct Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre

The search is now on for the right builder to construct the much-anticipated Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre – backed by the Australian and Victorian Governments and the City of Greater Geelong through the Geelong City Deal.

The tender for shortlisted candidates to submit their proposals to build the world-class centre will go live in early June.

Development Victoria recently led a three-month local engagement process involving 270 local residents to ensure community input informs the final project.

Seen as the jewel in the crown of the Great Ocean Road, locals were strongly supportive of the need for the Visitor Centre to complement the unique natural environment around it.

Feedback from community members supported further consultation before progressing with any future development on this culturally significant site.

Following engagement with the community, the project will also upgrade the parking spaces and pedestrian access to the Visitor Centre, to improve safety and accessibility for all visitors – supported by an additional $18 million from the Victorian Government.

As part of engagement, Development Victoria sought input from project partners, the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

A new Welcome Garden will celebrate the rich bio-cultural heritage of the Eastern Maar community, while a garden rooftop lookout will offer breathtaking views over the ocean.

Nearby, other Victorian Government-led projects are being delivered as part of a $24.5 million investment to support sustainable tourism in the area, including a new lookout at the ‘Saddle’ in the Twelve Apostles Precinct and a pedestrian bridge over Port Campbell Creek to connect people to the national park. Construction of a lookout at 'The Blowhole' at Loch Ard Gorge is also underway.

The Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is part of the Geelong City Deal – a partnership between all three levels of government that is revitalising the city and regional economy while encouraging people to spend more time in the region.

For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities.  

To read a summary of the community’s feedback on the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment visit engage.vic.gov.au/twelve-apostles