Salvos sells Geelong conference centre for $6.4m
The Salvation Army has sold the Geelong Conference Centre to Melbourne developer BEKL for about $6.4 million.
The 1.6-hectare site adjoining the East Geelong Golf Course at 20 Adams Court includes seven conference rooms, 46 accommodation suites as well as a restaurant, guest lounge and bar surrounded by botanical gardens.
The conference centre had been run as a public conference and function centre, and also used by the Salvation Army for its church functions.
Property records show it last sold for $2.35 million in 1994.
The centre sold with vacant possession to BEKL, which intends to convert it into Geelong’s first “retreat style” boutique hotel.
BEKL is run by Katherine and Eva Liu, daughters of property developer Han Biao Liu, who founded Amazon Property Group.
“We identified a huge gap in the market, given the region is lacking in small, high-quality accommodation providers with a focus on experientialaccommodation, especially where wellness is concerned,” managing director Katherine Liu said.
“The development will herald the return of this venue as a significanteconomic asset for the region and a key destination for locals and visitorsalike.”
BEKL is currently in talks with several hotel operators and hopes to appoint its chosen partner this year.
In June, BEKL struck a deal with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to operate a new voco hotel in South Melbourne when it opens in 2023.
The 171-room voco South Melbourne hotel will form part of a mixed-use high-rise tower being developed at 10-16 Dorcas Street, a short walk from St Kilda Road and the new Melbourne Metro Anzac Station.
According to Tourism Australia, wellness tourism has grown at 7.6 per cent per annum over the past five years.
