Geelong's newest landmark taking shape

The striking façade of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is nearing completion, marking a key step in the transformation of the city’s new waterfront precinct. 

The façade, featuring 25,000 ceramic tiles and extensive glazing, was designed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) to reflect Geelong’s Western Beach cliffs which are of deep cultural significance for the Wadawurrung People. 

Nyaal Banyul will be the first convention centre in Australia designed from inception with local Traditional Owners.

The convention centre will also be one of the most sustainable in the Southern Hemisphere, with the façade’s insulation contributing to improved operational efficiency.

Driven by a zero-carbon strategy and now equipped with a 1,100-panel solar energy system, the venue will be powered entirely by renewable energy as it targets Climate Active Carbon Neutral and 5-star Green Star Buildings certifications.

The precinct includes a 1,000-seat theatre, two large event spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. It will also be home to food and beverage retail spaces, a large public plaza and 200-room hotel under the internationally renowned Crowne Plaza brand. 

Landscaping works and the interior fit-out are also in progress, with more than 500 tradespeople working onsite each day to install services and internal finishes. The precinct is expected to be completed in 2026, boosting tourism for Geelong and supporting hundreds of ongoing jobs.

The development is being delivered as a precinct partnership with the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as sponsor and investor as well as hotel and commercial building developer, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect and BGIS as facilities manager.

The precinct development is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal – a $676 million commitment which is being delivered by the Commonwealth, the Allan Labor Government and the City of Greater Geelong. 

For more information on the Geelong City Deal and precinct visit:  infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities 

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles MP:

“As a proud member of the Geelong community, it is fantastic to see the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre coming to life with this façade. 

“This Centre not only provides a vital space for the local community, it is now a tourist attraction showcasing the talent and innovation found here in the local Geelong community”. 

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

“With the façade nearing completion, the community can really see how the landmark Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will enhance the waterfront. 

“We are working across all levels of government to boost the liveability and create jobs and economic opportunities in Australia’s regions.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP:

“This is a game-changing project for our region and I’m thrilled to see it coming to fruition. 

“It will make Geelong the destination for events and conferences in our region and beyond, boosting local tourism and business sectors across the Bellarine and Surf Coast.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes:

“Nyaal Banyul is already making its mark on the city, and it will continue to bring people to Geelong well into the future, supporting local jobs and showcasing what Geelong has to offer.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing

“The world-class Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has been carefully, sustainably, and considerately designed in partnership with Traditional Owners - once complete it will be the centrepiece of a stunning new precinct in the heart of Geelong.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Member for Geelong Christine Couzens:

“This precinct will be a landmark on Geelong’s waterfront for years to come, and it’s so exciting to see it come to life.”

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

“Once complete, Nyaal Banyul will be a game-changer for Geelong - drawing hundreds of thousands of delegates, driving economic development, creating hundreds of local jobs, and cementing our city’s reputation as a leading destination for business and major events. 

“It will be a landmark investment in our future and a tremendous asset for our community.”

Quotes attributable to Wadawurrung Woman and WTOAC Cultural Strengthening General Manager Corrina Eccles:

“Seeing the build taking shape on Wadawurrung Country, reflecting Djilang’s Western Beach cliffs as part of the co-design, fills me with pride.”

“The Western Beach cliffs are an important Cultural place for us, where our old people gathered together, yarned and celebrated together. Djilang residents and visitors can gather, yarn and celebrate here at Nyaal Banyul.”

"I say Nyatne (thanks) to VCET and Development Victoria for engaging with WTOAC from the outset and including our Cultural vision in the design. We can look over to Nyaal Banyul and think of the cliffs and know it is a welcoming place for Wadawurrung people to come.”

Quotes attributable to Plenary Group Chief Investment Officer Paul Crowe:

“It has been a fantastic effort by the whole Plenary Conventions team working in collaboration with WTOAC and other project partners to deliver such a stunning facade of great cultural significance.” 

“The design of Nyaal Banyul is a great example of the outcomes that can be delivered by taking a partnership approach to procurement and design, and marks the next exciting step in the delivery of a whole precinct that will help strengthen and grow the region’s tourism and major events industry for decades to come.”

Quotes attributable to Woods Bagot Director Bruno Mendes 

“Nyaal Banyul’s core identity is shaped by the northern façade’s fluid ribbon of glazed ceramic tiles developed specifically for this project.”

“The tones and textures of the undulating tiles respond to the shifting light that floods the bay from sunrise to sunset, while regulating the building’s thermal performance.”

Quotes attributable to General Manager Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Rick Aylett:

“The striking façade is a powerful symbol of what Nyaal Banyul stands for — a landmark shaped by deep cultural connection, sustainability, and world-class design.”

“It’s not just a building; it’s the foundation for a major economic and tourism boost, attracting national and international events, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs for years to come.”