Nyaal Banyul | Geelong Convention and Event Centre Precinct

Image credit: Plenary Conventions

The Plenary Group-led Plenary Conventions consortium has been named preferred proponent for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct development.

Set to become an iconic landmark on the Geelong waterfront, located on Wadawurrung Country, the centre will feature a purpose-built convention and exhibition space.

Creating great community space

This project offers a 1000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, conference facilities, and flexible event spaces with views of Corio Bay.

In addition to the convention centre, the development includes new retail spaces will feature hospitality offerings, a large public plaza will become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a new 200-room hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand will boost local visitation.

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre represents a remarkable opportunity for Geelong and the greater Bellarine and Surf Coast region to elevate its status as a leading regional city and a prime destination for tourism, business events, and retail experiences. Not only will this project bring in new visitors and boost tourism economies, but it will also generate valuable local job opportunities, contributing to the prosperity of Greater Geelong.

Location

Gippsland region, Victoria, Australia

Client

Plenary Conventions Consortium

Project Status

Due for completion 2026

Building on existing relationship fosters success

The project is being delivered as a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Plenary Conventions, the Victorian Government and Geelong City Deal funding partners - the Australian Government and the City of Greater Geelong. Over the next 25 years, Plenary Conventions will handle financing, designing, constructing, and maintaining this world-class facility.

The application of PPP as a project delivery method has been expanding globally. WSP has been at the forefront of PPP planning, procurement advisory, design management, and its evolution from pure privatisation to more complex partnerships.

Combined with extensive experience working with Development Victoria - the end client, WSP has a strong understanding of the project as our traffic, waste management, structural and civil teams contributed to the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) Business Case. This, coupled with our proven experience working together with Plenary and track record in convention centres and PPP delivery in Australia will support a successful collective approach for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

WSP’s scope of services to the consortium includes Building Services, Vertical Transportation, ICT, AV and Security, Sustainability, Specialist Lighting, Fire Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Waste Management and Circular Economy. The sustainability scope addresses a holistic approach that is aligned with the sustainability principles for major public infrastructure, along with Green Star certification and climate risk and resilience assessment.

Project in Numbers

Seats

1000

Rooms (Crowne Plaza Hotel)

200

Square Metres of Flexible Multipurpose Space

3700

How infrastructure projects can add social value

Projects like this can help drive social value through Australia's infrastructure and built environment by creating attractive, inclusive spaces for residents and tourists alike.

Sustainable development that considers a place-based approach results in a legacy that’s not only better for people but better for business too.

Learn more about our social value research.

See how WSP can set new benchmarks for major cultural events and venues that enable communities to thrive.