Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Plenary Conventions is delivering the $449 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct development, which will be one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria.

Located on Wadawurrung Country on the Geelong waterfront, the centre will comprise a purpose-built convention and exhibition space with a 1,000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, conference facilities, flexible event spaces and meeting rooms with prime views of Corio Bay.

The precinct development also includes private sector investment in associated commercial development comprising an initial $120 million investment to deliver Geelong’s largest hotel – a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel – and a further $130 million in future education and commercial spaces within a mixed-use precinct.

Plenary is providing 100% of the equity financing for the convention centre, hotel and mixed-use precinct. Debt is being provided by leading domestic and international banks ANZ, Westpac and ICBC.

Sustainability

Plenary Conventions arranged Green Loan financing for the project.

The Green Loan was issued under the project’s Sustainable Finance Framework, which is aligned to green loan principles.

In addition, Plenary Conventions has committed to a 5-Star Green Star rating for the GCEC with a pathway to achieve a 6-Star rating.

Local economic impacts

Around 1,500 jobs are being supported during construction and Built is working with a host of local subcontractors and suppliers to maximise local content including a partnership with local recruitment firm gforce to support 28 new local apprentice and trainee positions from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Locally owned and operated roofing company, Faulkner Roofing, is installing 8,000 square metres of roofing across the entire centre – providing 4,000 hours of work for three Geelong‑based roof plumbing apprentices as part of the Nyaal Banyul Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) program.

Geelong-based Hanlon Industries has also supplied 400 tonnes of locally manufactured steel for the structures and hosted two boilermaker apprentices and two labourers from the GEESP program at its Corio factory – creating 1,200 hours of full-time work and long-term job opportunities.

While on the job, these apprentices will not only learn valuable skills they can take to their next job, but they will experience working with a team of more than 500 people on one of the most exciting and anticipated projects to be delivered in regional Victoria.

The GEESP partnership has been co-designed by Development Victoria, the Give Where You Live Foundation’s GROW initiative, social enterprise gforce and is being delivered by Built as the head contractor. Through the GEESP program, Nyaal Banyul is establishing a gold standard for social procurement in government-led projects.