DEAKIN’S waterfront campus car park is locked in as the site of Geelong’s new convention centre, the Premier confirmed on Friday morning.

Daniel Andrews announce $1 million for planning for the long-awaited project this financial year, allowing for more cash in the 2017-18 financial year to construct the 1000-seat convention centre.

Mr Andrews visited Deakin Waterfront this morning alongside Planning Minister Richard Wynne, Regional Minister Jaala Pulford, Police Minister Lisa Neville and Sports Minister John Eren for an official launch.

The cabinet members congregated on a university balcony overlooking the waterfront to make the announcement

“This stretch of waterfront is an important part of this city and that’s why it’s so disappointing that people have talked about revitalising, regenerating this part of this great city but so little has actually been done,” the Premier said.

“That’s why with Richard Wynne’s help, and Jaala’s too, with our strong Labor team in Geelong we’ve started the Geelong Development Authority- to get things done.

“That authority has done a great job, just like Minister Wynne and others to ensure that a sweep of improvements are now not just being talked about, they are being delivered.

“Our government will provide $1 million, well ahead of next year’s budget, the full business case for a Geelong Convention Centre at the waterfront car park site.”

The centre forms part of the Government’s new Geelong Action Plan, a decade-long plan to renew central Geelong. Geelong’s proposed convention centre includes a conference venue with the capacity for 1000 people as well as exhibition space of 3000sq m.

The centre will also have banquet amenities, a business centre, retail outlets and accommodation. Deakin vice-chancellor Jane den Hollander said the car park, between Western Beach Rd and Smythe St, provided sweeping views of the north-facing bay.

“We acknowledge there has been strong community interest in this site and have always said we would support a proposal that would deliver strong return for the Deakin community, the wider Geelong region and Victoria,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Our car park sits at the centre of the natural waterfront beauty and the governing council of the university has established principles that would govern any development.”

Prof den Hollander said a solution was needed for student car parking given the centre would be built on an existing parking site.

Geelong Labor MP Christine Couzens said the convention centre would help to renew the CBD and strengthen tourism.

Of the $1 million promised, $500,000 will come from the 2016-17 state budget, while the remaining $500,000 will come from Regional Development Victoria.