A celebration was held on the site to mark the occasion, attended by project partners and representatives from local and state government. With major works on the convention and event centre now complete, interior fitout and testing is now taking place ahead of official opening in July.

Nyaal Banyul is the centrepiece of the $676 million Geelong City Deal – a partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong – aimed at boosting the region’s visitor economy. The centre includes a 1,000-seat theatre; exhibition spaces; flexible meeting rooms and conference spaces; food and beverage offerings; and a public landscaped plaza designed by Tract, featuring 1,700 Indigenous and native plants.

Woods Bagot design director Bruno Mendes said Geelong’s waterfront has served as a cultural meeting place for Traditional Owners for generations. “The architecture will continue to service the needs of the community, providing a hub to support Geelong’s civic activation and cultural program.”

“Nyaal Banyul” is the name gifted to the precinct by the Wadawurrung People, meaning “look to the hills” – a reference to the You Yangs and other culturally significant sites visible from the waterfront. Nyaal Banyul is the first convention centre designed from inception with local Traditional Owners, reflecting the site’s local identity and cultural heritage.

In collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Woods Bagot’s design for the facade incorporates more than 25,000 ceramic tiles and extensive glazing, inspired by the cliffs of Geelong’s Western Beach.                   

“It’s satisfying to see Nyaal Banyul now forming a part of its local context, with a sculptural facade of custom-glazed ceramic tiles and glass ribbons – a kinetic surface that reflects the shifting atmosphere of Corio Bay – mediating between land, ocean and sky,” said Mendes.

Development Victoria’s Executive General Manager Civics Hannah Clement said the completion of major construction represents a significant achievement for all partners involved in bringing the precinct to life.

“Delivering Nyaal Banyul on time and on budget reflects our strong project leadership and commitment to delivering projects that make a real difference,” says Clement. “We are proud to have worked alongside our project partners to bring this precinct to life.”

The completion of major works coincides with the opening of the 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel, also designed by Woods Bagot, which provides premium accommodation for visitors and event delegates on Geelong’s waterfront.

The project created more than 1,400 jobs, trained 250 apprentices and engaged over 440 subcontractors throughout the construction process, which has injected millions of dollars into the local economy. Once operational, the centre is expected to create hundreds of additional jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services.

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