The new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has reached completion, with fit-outs and testing now in progress ahead of its scheduled July 2026 opening.
The centre spans a 1.6-hectare site on the Geelong waterfront and includes a 1,000-seat theatre, 3,700 square metres of flexible event space, conference facilities and meeting rooms, food and beverage venues, and a 200-room hotel. The project includes a plaza, intended as an activated public space with outdoor dining, open areas for events and activities, a large LED screen for broadcasts, and more than 1,700 plantings.
The convention centre is the first in Australia to be designed from inception in partnership with the Traditional Owners, according to the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
Designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the facade incorporates more than 25,000 ceramic tiles and extensive glazing. Its sweeping form is inspired by the cliffs of Geelong’s Western Beach. An external mural by Geelong-born street artist Rone runs nearly 90 metres along Smythe Street, featuring 14 local faces, including seven Wadawurrung people.
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.”
“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.
The project is being delivered as a precinct partnership by Development Victoria and the Plenary Conventions consortium, which includes Woods Bagot as architect, Built as the builder and BGIS as facilities manager.
The project is the centrepiece of the $676 million Geelong City Deal, an investment between the state and federal government with the City of Greater Geelong to unlock the region’s visitor economy.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the completion of the convention and event centre is an exciting development for the city. “This centre will be an incredible addition to our stunning waterfront, attracting tens of thousands of people to Geelong each year and helping us realise our full potential as a clever and creative city,” said Kontelj.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles said Nyaal Banyul will be a game changer for the region. “Its construction has supported local jobs, and very soon it will bring visitors, events, and new economic opportunities to Geelong. It’s wonderful to see this vision taking shape on our waterfront.”
The centre is anticipated to open in July 2026, with more than 50 events already scheduled. The 200-room hotel is currently operational.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
