A civic-scale cultural institution that is deeply rooted in place.
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is a landmark civic project on Wadawurrung Country, located along the Geelong waterfront. The precinct brings together cultural, social, and economic ambition — combining a state-of-the-art convention and event centre with public space, hospitality, and a strong connection to Country.
Talk to Bruno Mendes about Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
Set along Geelong’s waterfront on Western Beach Road, the new civic precinct will feature a 1,000-seat venue, two exhibition spaces, conference facilities, meeting rooms, and flexible event spaces. A new 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel, retail outlets, and hospitality venues will further activate the 1.6-hectare site, alongside a public plaza and generous public realm.
The design responds to Geelong’s unique coastal landscape and deep connection to Country. At its heart is a sculptural façade of custom-glazed ceramic tiles and glass ribbons — a kinetic surface that reflects the shifting atmosphere of Corio Bay while mediating between land, ocean, and sky.
Woods Bagot Global Sector Leader for Culture, Bruno Mendes, describes the centre as “a project shaped by place, history and future aspirations.” The design narrative was developed with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to reflect the many layers of Wadawurrung Country and knowledge.
“The precinct redefines what a convention centre can be — permeable, civic, and grounded in its context,” says Mendes. “It’s designed to inspire curiosity and pride in Geelong’s cultural heritage, and to promote the Bellarine Peninsula to the world.”
The Nyaal Banyul precinct will support 600 jobs during construction and create 270 ongoing roles. It also includes social procurement initiatives, including 28 local apprenticeships and training opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.
Once complete, the centre will be operated by the Victorian Convention and Exhibition Trust, which also manages Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Completion is expected in 2026.
This project is the centrepiece of the $500-million Geelong City Deal — a partnership between the Australian and Victorian Governments and the City of Greater Geelong — revitalising the city and unlocking the potential of the region’s visitor economy.
“The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct will be a space that inspires curiosity for Geelong’s rich cultural heritage, and an opportunity to promote the broader Bellarine Peninsula and what it has to offer.”
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