Local roofing organisation Faulkner Roofing is installing 8,000 square metres of roofing across the convention centre, and 400 tons of locally-manufactured steel is now in place.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal Blair Parkinson is leading project delivery for Nyaal Banyul and says headway on site progress has been achieved through the efforts of project partners and stakeholder groups, as well as local businesses, workers and apprentices.

“We are excited about the progress of Nyaal Banyul Convention and Events Centre as we continue to work closely with our stakeholder groups and project partners,” says Parkinson.
 
“We look forward to the next steps of the project, which will bring the unique qualities of the architectural design to the fore and further define this significant development to the people of Geelong and wider Victoria.”

Plenary Group Chief Investment Officer Paul Crowe says the structural completion of the halls is a significant milestone that demonstrates the benefits of a partnership approach to precinct development.

“Our partnership with the government and consortium partners ensures that this project delivers substantial local employment, positive social outcomes, and lasting economic benefits to the Geelong region,” says Crowe.

Once complete, the Plenary Hall will host 1,000 delegates and draw major national and international events to Geelong. The precinct will also be home to Geelong’s largest hotel – the 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel – as well as two exhibition spaces; food and retail spaces; and a grand public plaza.

Construction partner of the Plenary Conventions consortium Built is overseeing the execution of the precinct, with Built Construction Director Andrew Morgan declaring the project a significant opportunity for local business.

“Geelong’s largest infrastructure development is tracking on schedule and in full construction mode, with four cranes across the 1.6-hectare site to facilitate the 200+ person workforce, which will double over coming months as more trades come onboard,” says Morgan. 

“As an Australian-owned national contractor, we feel immense pride delivering Nyaal Banyul’s industry-leading social procurement framework, while also building capability and enhancing skills within our region.”

Woods Bagot Director Bruno Mendes says the halfway milestone is a significant step in the journey to reinvigorating the Geelong waterfront, stimulating the regional economy while highlighting Geelong’s natural assets.

“This project is an opportunity to evolve Geelong’s urban fabric, to expand the city’s cultural agenda, and to promote the broader Bellarine Peninsula,” says Mendes. “As one of the largest developments in regional Victoria, it will bolster the local economy during and well after construction, and support the community for generations into the future.”

Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a precinct partnership, with the Plenary Conventions consortium contracted 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 project is on track for completion 2026.

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Isla Sutherland
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