Early works begin on centrepiece of Geelong City Deal

The Victorian government has announced that early works on Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre have begun.

In July 2023, the government appointed a consortium led by Plenary Conventions to deliver the project. The consortium includes Woods Bagot, Built, BGIS and Quintessential Equity.

The project will comprise a 1000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, convention facilities, event spaces, retail and hospitality spaces, a 200-room hotel, and a large public plaza, as well as future plans for a mixed-use development.

The project is set to transform a 1.6-hectare section of the Geelong waterfront, currently occupied by a car park.

The government will undertake a social procurement program that will support local business, individuals and wider community through traineeships, apprenticeships - to establish a "gold standard for social procurement in government-led projects."

"Nyaal Banyul is the premier project in the Geelong City Deal - a partnership between all three levels of government with the objective of revitalising the city and regional economy, while encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region by showcasing its natural assets," said federal minister for regional development Kirsty McBain.