Geelong’s new convention centre celebrates completion

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – Major works on Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre are complete as the centre readies to host its first event in July.

The $449 million public-private partnership is being delivered and 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.

It is the centrepiece of the $676 million Geelong City Deal, an investment between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and 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 subcontractors, suppliers and consultants have also injected millions into the local economy.

The precinct is set to create hundreds more ongoing jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services once operational.

The centre includes a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition and flexible event spaces, meeting rooms and conference facilities, food and beverage offerings, a public plaza event space with outdoor dining, and an 80 square-metre LED screen for broadcasts.

More than 50 conferences and events are already booked, set to generate flow-on spending on accommodation, dining and local attractions.

Geelong’s largest hotel, the 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong, was delivered as part of the project and opened in January, providing the perfect location for visitors to Geelong and those attending future events at Nyaal Banyul.

Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Member for Corio Richard Marles said, “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.”

Australian Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP said, “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.”

Victorian Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said, “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.”

Victorian Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said, “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.”

Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing said, “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.”

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said, “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.”

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Co-CEO Rebekah Devlin said, “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 seven 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.”

Plenary Group CEO Paul Crowe said, “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.”

Plenary Group Head of Infrastructure Damien Augustinus said, “This is such a transformative project for Geelong, and one that will provide lasting social and economic benefits to the whole region. Beyond our investment alongside Government in this world-leading Convention and Event Centre, Plenary has demonstrated our confidence in Geelong and indeed in Victoria by investing a further $130 million to develop Geelong’s largest ever hotel – the 200-room Crowne Plaza that opened ahead of time earlier this year and Plenary is doubling that investment to $260 million in future commercial spaces within this precinct. This will make this precinct clearly the best of its kind in regional Australia, and will strengthen and grow the region’s tourism and major events industry for decades to come.”

Built Head of Operations Andrew Morgan said, “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.”