Nyaal Banyul opens

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – Geelong is now home to the biggest events and convention centre in regional Victoria.

Plenary CEO Paul Crowe joined Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and a host of guests and project partners at the ceremonial opening of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre ahead of its first event in July.

The $449 million public-private partnership project has turned Geelong into a world-class destination for global events and conferences that will  attract more visitors, create jobs and generate millions in economic benefit for the region.

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

Next door, the 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong hotel offers a convenient stay for event attendees.

The centre will start hosting events from next month with more than 80 conferences and events already booked in.

Nyaal Banyul will employ more than 240 people in Geelong.

More than 50 local businesses are engaged in delivering events, supplying local food, wine and equipment.

Construction created 1,400 jobs, with 250 apprentices completing more than 150,000 hours of hands-on training.

The public-private partnership was delivered and is now managed by 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 – in partnership with the Victorian Government.

The building was co-designed in collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

It is the centrepiece of the Geelong City Deal, an investment between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and City of Greater Geelong to unlock the region’s visitor economy.

The precinct also includes $260 million of private sector investment in associated commercial development comprising a $130 million investment to deliver the 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong hotel and $130 million in future commercial spaces within a mixed-use precinct.

The Nyaal Banyul precinct will host a free community open day on Saturday 11 July.

For more information visit nyaalbanyul.com.au

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles MP said, “This world-leading venue is a massive win for regional development in Geelong, creating hundreds of ongoing jobs and celebrating the proud culture of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. Nyaal Banyul will open up further opportunities for the Geelong economy, with events bringing in more business for our local cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants, securing local jobs. Along with greater investment in the local economy, this is bringing new life to the Geelong CBD and invigorating the city centre.”

Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan MP said, “We’re creating more local jobs in Geelong and backing local businesses and suppliers. Only Labor is driving investment in Geelong and delivering long-term economic benefits for the city.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP said, “The opening of Nyaal Banyul means Geelong can now start benefiting from this world-class centre. By attracting national and international delegates, it will create jobs and boost hoteliers, restaurants and small businesses. More than 1,400 jobs have already been created across the region with more to come.”

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle MP said, “Nyaal Banyul is creating more opportunities for local businesses and attracting people to our regions. Regional Development Victoria has played a key role in delivering Nyaal Banyul, bringing together partners to create a world-class precinct that will support jobs, tourism and long-term growth for Geelong.”

Acting Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos MP said, “We’re helping Geelong host more major conferences and events, strengthening its reputation as a leading regional destination.”

Quote attributable to Deputy Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong Cr Eddy Kontelj said, “This world-class venue will attract major conferences, events and visitors from across Australia and beyond, strengthening our economy, supporting local jobs and creating opportunities for businesses across the region.”

Plenary Group CEO Paul Crowe said, “This highlights the value the private sector can bring in driving innovation and delivering infrastructure projects like Nyaal Banyul that support the local community and will create a lasting economic impact for Geelong and the region.”