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.
