Traditional owners collaborate in convention centre build
The new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention Centre, designed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has been described as one of the most sustainable convention centres in the southern hemisphere.
“As an architectural landmark designed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, we are extremely proud to reach this construction milestone,” Head of Operations at Built Andrew Morgan said.
“Just as importantly, the project has delivered industry-leading social and local procurement outcomes, reflecting the strength of collaboration between government, industry and community partners to ensure this investment leaves a meaningful and enduring legacy for the Geelong region.”
Key Points
- Major works completed at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
- Centrepiece of the $676 million Geelong City Deal project
- Joint investment by Australian and Victorian governments and City of Greater Geelong
- More than 1,400 jobs and training for 250 apprentices reported
- Over 440 subcontractors, suppliers and consultants engaged
- Commissioning underway across theatre, halls, meeting and event spaces
- Gheringhap Plaza to feature 80-square-metre LED screen and native plants
Built completed construction in late January, a key milestone for the $676 million Geelong City Deal and its goal to boost the region’s visitor economy.
default
According to the project team, funding is a joint investment by the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong, structured to unlock growth in the visitor economy.
Nyaal Banyul is expected to generate hundreds more jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services when it opens to the public in July, with conferences and events already locked in from opening month.
A 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel within the precinct recently opened on 23 January, providing a premium accommodation offering for visitors and event delegates in the heart of Geelong.
Gheringhap Plaza was designed by Tract in collaboration with Woods Bagot and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. It is positioned to serve as a new gathering place on Geelong’s waterfront, with landscape and amenity features intended for community use.
Gheringhap Plaza features
- Outdoor dining areas
- An 80-square-metre LED screen for public broadcasts and events
- More than 1,700 indigenous and native plants
The integration of public space with event facilities is a central characteristic of the precinct. The builder notes the plaza’s design and programming aim to enhance activation and provide a civic-focused complement to the convention and event infrastructure.
