New home for Spirits

THE design of the new terminal to be built to receive the Spirit of Tasmania ferries in Geelong has been revealed.

GeelongPort and TT-Line unveiled the building design images for the Corio Quay terminal on Tuesday.

The state-of-the-art building, which will form part of Spirit of Tasmania’s passenger and freight terminal precinct, will be operational in Geelong next year.

Construction is due to begin this year.

GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said the building had been inspired by Tasmania’s landscape.

Mr Winter said the design – created by Brand Architects – incorporates angled windows and sunshades over the glass facade that evoke images of the jagged contours of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and the icy waters of Dove Lake.

“The final design is both striking and functional and it will provide the hundreds of thousands of visitors to Victoria and Tasmania every year, a contemporary, comfortable and streamlined experience as part of their voyage,” Mr Winter said.

Spirit of Tasmania chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer said his company was pleased with the design and how the architectural features reflected the company’s

long Tasmanian heritage.

“This building will be a place our staff will be proud to work and our passengers will love to come as they embark on their journey to and from Tasmania,” he said.

It will feature a cafe, play area for children and spacious lounge areas.

“Our employees will benefit greatly from the new office facilities, crew accommodation and staff amenities that have been purpose-built to meet our requirements,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Spirit of Tasmania’s move to Geelong will be a great boost for Tasmanian and Victorian businesses impacted by travel restrictions.”