“We’re bringing 1,900 new smart economy jobs to Geelong with the creation of the Pivot City Innovation District. It started in 2013 when Cameron Hamilton developed a plan to transform the Federal Mills from dilapidated textile factory into a tech-park. Since then, it has become a melting pot that celebrates start-ups, incubators, entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
We’ve created an inspirational collaborative, community and a space for outstanding events like the Pivot Summit that brought Steve Wozniak to Geelong.” Now alongside Andrew Hamilton, the Geelong brothers are expanding on the existing success and increasing demand to add re-developments of the waterfront Power Station and former Pilkington Glass Factory to create the Pivot City Innovation District. Humans in Geelong had the pleasure of meeting Property Developers, Cameron and Andrew Hamilton at the launch celebrating Geelong’s listing as a City of Design by UNESCO.
“Since 2013, we’ve worked side by side with the Geelong City Council and businesses. The precinct has been industry led, fuelled by growth and built for Geelong. We are Geelong locals and love this town and have relished the opportunity to provide for the community by adapting to the changing needs of the region. These are exciting times.
“Highlights of our growing innovation ecosystem are:
- 50,000sqm of inspiring workspaces
- $350 million of wages into the local economy per annum
- 1,900 new direct jobs for Geelong
- 1GB internet, Australia’s fastest available.
- 2,000 free carparks
- 3 unique and iconic innovation precincts
- Home to Runway regional Victoria’s No 1 incubator
- Home to international innovative companies like LiveTiles (USA), Tribal (UK) & g2 Innovation (UK)
- Onsite restaurants, cafes and gym
“We can provide opportunities for upskilling and help reduce the high unemployment statistics of the Northern Suburbs. It is an opportunity to connect communities and bridge the widening unemployment gap. It’s vital that this project can not only bring new opportunities to our region, but also ensure that our neighbours benefit too.
“LiveTiles, a $220million software company are moving in to our tech hub and will bring 500 new local jobs to the site.
“By 2019 we will have finished development of the Glass House, former Pilkingtons Factory, and have a 10,000sqm workspace developed.
“By 2021 we are activating the Northern Waterfront precinct by developing the Power Station, originally built in 1933. This is an amazing opportunity to activate not only this iconic building, but a large section of the waterfront, which has sat unused for 30 years.
“Heritage is very important to us and we want to celebrate this. The Federal Mills redevelopment was a recipient of a 2017 Heritage Award, and we will take the same passion into the other precincts. We have also installed Solar Panels.
“Housed within iconic heritage buildings, it has a campus feel where emerging industries can cluster & thrive inside unique and inspiring workspaces. 100 years after its inception as an industry led innovator, Federal Mills is once again leading Geelong in a new direction, creating jobs and fostering growth.’ To learn more visit www.pivotcity.com
Story: Jacqui Bennett Photo: supplied shows Andrew Hamilton, Steve Wozniak and Cameron Hamilton at the Pivot Summit 2017.
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