Major building works on the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre are done. 

Nyaal Banyul is the centrepiece of the $676 million Geelong City Deal, an investment between the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments with the City of Greater Geelong to unlock the region’s visitor economy.

This project has boosted the local jobs market and construction sector.

Creating more than 1,400 jobs, training 250 apprentices and engaging the local manufacturing and construction sectors. 

More than 440 sub-contractors, suppliers and consultants have also injected millions into the local economy. 

Every conference or exhibition held at Nyaal Banyul means more visitors staying in local hotels, eating in local restaurants and shopping in local stores – supporting small businesses.

Nyaal Banyul is set to create hundreds more jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services when it opens to the public in July. 

Conferences and events are already locked in from July, that will create flow-on spending on accommodation, dining and local attractions.

Until then, the finishing touches, fit-outs and testing are all that remain to complete the precinct which features: 

• a 1,000-seat theatre
• exhibition spaces
• meeting rooms, conference facilities, flexible event spaces
• food and beverage offerings
• and the public Gheringhap Plaza. 

The plaza will be a popular gathering, with event space, outdoor dining, an 80 square-metre LED screen for broadcasts, and more than 1,700 plants. 

A 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel in the precinct is now open and will provide the perfect location for visitors to Geelong and those attending future events at Nyaal Banyul.  

Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a precinct partnership by Development Victoria and the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as sponsor and investor, and hotel and commercial building developer, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect and BGIS as facilities manager. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“This convention centre will enhance the Geelong waterfront as a vibrant hub that supports local jobs and showcases world class talent.

“Working across all levels of Government has allowed us to pull off this huge achievement that the local community should be proud of.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, Richard Marles MP:

“Seeing the major construction works completed at Nyaal Banyul marks a proud moment for our community. 

“Nyaal Banyul will be a game changer for our region— its construction has supported local jobs, and very soon it will bring visitors, events, and new economic opportunities to Geelong. It’s wonderful to see this vision taking shape on our waterfront.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes:

“One of the best ways to ease cost-of-living pressures is through secure, well-paid local jobs. Nyaal Banyul has supported hundreds of jobs during construction and ongoing roles in events, hospitality and tourism — putting more money into local pockets.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens:

“We are supporting hundreds of new jobs right here in our local communities through Nyaal Banyul, attracting more tourism and major events into the heart of Geelong.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing 

“This project reflects the strength of collaboration between government, industry and community, and will deliver lasting benefits for Geelong through jobs, tourism and economic growth.”

Quotes attributable to City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM: 

“The completion of construction on Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is an exciting development for our city.”

“This centre will be an incredible addition to our stunning waterfront, attracting tens of thousands of people to Geelong each year and helping us realise our full potential as a clever and creative city.”

Quotes attributable to Plenary Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Crowe:

“Reaching this significant milestone brings us one step closer to opening the entire Nyaal Banyul precinct later this year. With the Crowne Plaza Hotel now open, the precinct will be ready to welcome visitors and support a busy regional events calendar.”

Quotes attributable to WTOAC Co-CEO Rebekah Devlin:

“The site of the convention centre has been used as a gathering place for Wadawurrung People for thousands of generations. This strong connection to the site is also embodied in the depiction of 7 Wadawurrung Community Members featured in the incredible mural that Rone has created.” 

“This intergenerational celebration of continuing Culture alongside people from the wider community demonstrates the significance of the site and the importance of coming together.”

Quotes attributable to Built Head of Operations Andrew Morgan:

“As an architectural landmark designed with the WTOAC and one of the most sustainable convention centres in the Southern Hemisphere, the Built team is extremely proud to achieve this construction milestone while also delivering industry-leading social and local procurement outcomes for Geelong.”