Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Project Name

Status

Contract Let

Department and agency

The Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, with procurement and delivery managed by Development Victoria.

Description

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct includes the construction of the purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1000 seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. The precinct also includes a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel, a public plaza, a mixed-use commercial development and food and beverage offerings.

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will support 1450 jobs during construction and an additional 700 ongoing jobs once the precinct is complete. The hotel will further boost employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s visitor economy.

The contract for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has been awarded to the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Financial Close occurring on 12 December 2023.

The Plenary Conventions consortium comprises:

Plenary Group as sponsor, investor, and asset manager
Built as builder
BGIS as facilities management services contractor
Woods Bagot as design and architecture lead.

The project is being delivered as a Precinct Partnership in accordance with the Partnerships Victoria Requirements, with Plenary Conventions to finance, design, construct and maintain the facility for 25 years in partnership with the Victorian Government and its funding partners under the Geelong City Deal, the Australian Government and City of Greater Geelong.

Work is underway, with the first event expected to be hosted in 2026.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust will operate the convention centre once complete.

The lead responsible agency is the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions, with Development Victoria delivering the project in accordance with the Partnerships Victoria framework.