The City of Greater Geelong will call for expressions of interest for the appropriate development of a site on the eastern side of Steampacket Quay on the Geelong Waterfront.

Geelong Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood said the City's aim was to achieve a development that would maximise the potential for the prominent waterfront site.

"Since 1996 the City has earmarked this site for a pavilion development and we are now in a position to go to the market place with a set of design guidelines for a development of a quality in keeping with the waterfront precinct," Cr Harwood said.

"The guidelines require that the building be of high architectural merit and sit lightly on the site with a high degree of transparency."

The building would need to achieve a six star energy rating, the Mayor added.

The original plans for the waterfront development proposed the construction of a pavilion style building on the eastern side of Steampacket Quay that would provide a visual balance to the Carousel on the western edge of the quay.

"The right sort of proposal at this site will enhance the social and recreational value of the Geelong Waterfront, which has proven to be a major drawcard for both visitors and locals since it was redeveloped in the mid 1990s," said Cr Harwood.

The City has already received a number of independent proposals for the pavilion site, including a seafood retail outlet and restaurant and a boutique hotel and mineral springs complex.

Any proposal for the site would be subject to the normal planning requirements including a public submissions process. The site is crown land for which Council is the committee of management.