- Published:
- Thursday 10 March 2022
The appointment of award-winning architects to design the first phase of the Twelve Apostles Precinct is set to enhance the region's appeal as a world-class tourism destination.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP, today announced that Grimshaw Architects, in partnership with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, will design the coastal works projects as part of the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project.
This $108.15 million project will redevelop and protect the Twelve Apostles, the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road as a distinctive environmental and cultural tourism destination.
The redevelopment is part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal – a 10-year partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong.
The coastal works projects include a new Twelve Apostles viewing deck and amphitheatre, safer beach access and a lookout at Gibson Steps, improved walking trails, revegetation of Loch Ard Gorge, and a weather protection pod that will shield visitors from the elements at Loch Ard Gorge.
The Twelve Apostles precinct will also include a new world-class Visitor Experience Centre that will form the gateway to the Shipwreck Coast and the precinct. Local community and stakeholders were extensively consulted, over three years during the development of the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan.
Grimshaw Architects will work alongside key stakeholders to design the coastal works package within this exciting regional project.
The local community will be able to have their say on some of the concept designs for the coastal works projects later in 2022.
For more information about the project visit http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/twelveapostles.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/geelong/.
Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:
“The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment Project under the Geelong City Deal is helping prepare for an increase in domestic and international visitors to the region, which will provide a welcome economic boost growth for both businesses and the local community.
“The Geelong City Deal is an example of the Commonwealth Government’s investment in important infrastructure across the region, which is helping to create jobs, future-proof our regions and support the local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP:
“The Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck Coast is already one of the most visited tourism regions in Australia and these upgrades will be a drawcard for tourists and locals alike, creating more jobs and boosting the economy.
“The first stage of the project with award-winning architects taking the reins will begin the enhancement of our world-class tourism destination at the Twelve Apostles.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Member for Wannon, the Hon Dan Tehan MP:
“The appointment of Grimshaw Architects as the Head Designer for the coastal works is a significant step and will bring key stakeholders across the region together to have input on the design of the package of coastal projects.
“The development of the Twelve Apostles into a world class tourism spot is a huge win for the region. The tourism opportunities it will bring are set to provide an ongoing boost to the local economy.”
Quote attributable to State Member for Western Victoria, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP:
“Appointing Grimshaw to work with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation is an exciting next step towards making the Twelve Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast an amazing world-class tourism destination that also protects and preserves the environment for generations to come.”
Media contacts:
Minister Fletcher – Erin Forster | 0448 207 414 | erin.forster@communications.gov.au
Minister Thomas – Nadia Dimattina | 0438 701 306 | Nadia.dimattina@minstaff.vic.gov.au