Cunningham Pier, one of Victoria’s iconic heritage landmarks, will soon be redeveloped into a vibrant precinct with ambitious plans led by lifestyle developer Gurner Group in partnership with Costa Property Group, seeking to reimagine the historic waterfront as a magnet for tourism, investment, and innovation.

Part of the City of Greater Geelong’s Draft Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, the proposed redevelopment of the heritage pier will take cues from Sydney Harbour’s luxury waterfront residences and Dubai’s sculptural pier-edge towers to create a world-class destination celebrating architecture, art, and lifestyle.

The vision aligns closely with the Council’s goal of transforming the precinct into a vibrant, connected, and economically dynamic hub for the community.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Geelong on the global map – to create our version of what icons like the Opera House, Story Bridge or Empire State Building have done for other great cities,” says Gurner Founder & Executive Chairman, Tim Gurner.

“This project brings together everything we’ve built our brand on – world-class design, hospitality, lifestyle, and experience – all in one place. The vision is extraordinary,” he adds.

Gurner will apply its internationally recognised design language and expertise in luxury lifestyle developments to deliver a bold and inspiring concept for the pier, which has been operated by Costa Property for more than 15 years.

The concept, described as ‘Saint Moritz on the Sea’, will redefine the waterfront skyline with a six-star hotel, world-class restaurants, bars, and public spaces, resort-style residential offerings, entertainment and cultural venues, and potential cruise ship port facilities.

This is expected to stimulate tourism-led economic growth in the region, supported by the Council’s backing for strategic commercial partnerships that unlock new investment opportunities.

“A heritage pier, an iconic coastline, and a partnership with Costa Property Group – this is a project that comes along once in a lifetime. The Costa family’s stewardship of the pier and the Mayor’s leadership have laid the foundations. What comes next could define Geelong’s waterfront for the next 100 years,” concludes Gurner.

Image: Supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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