Geelong welcomes its first tower crane for the new convention centre project

THE arrival of the first tower crane at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (GCEC) site signifies a crucial development phase of the new waterfront events precinct.

Officals, including Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney, Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker, and City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan, marked this milestone by visiting the site.

Funding for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct includes a $423 million contribution from the Victorian Government, $30 million from the Australian Government, and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

The site is set to feature a 1000-seat venue, extensive exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, and flexible event areas, all overlooking Corio Bay

In a move to support local employment and training, the build offers certification and training opportunities for local job seekers facing employment challenges.

Victorian Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney highlighted the project’s significant impact on job creation and the regional economy.

“The opportunity to receive training and work experience on a project like this is truly unique, and we’re proud to be backing 28 local apprentices and trainees as they experience this valuable real-world training,” Ms Tierney said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, Richard Marles, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative.

“It is fantastic to see young, local workers making an important contribution to projects like the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, while also progressing their TAFE training.”

“Once complete, the precinct will support more than 700 ongoing jobs and will be one of the first major civic developments in central Geelong supporting growth and change in our community.”

Plenary Conventions has made an initial investment of $120 million to develop Geelong’s largest hotel at the site and plans an additional $130 million for a future mixed-use development within the precinct.

Plenary Conventions spokesperson Damien Augustinus shared his satisfaction with the project’s progress.

“It’s pleasing to see the progress being made towards the delivery of such a transformative project.”

“We continue to work with our government and consortium partners, including Built, to ensure the project delivers strong local employment opportunities, social outcomes and lasting economic benefits to the Geelong region.”

Built, a pivotal partner in the Plenary Conventions consortium, is actively contributing to the project’s social impact.

Built construction director Andrew Morgan highlighted the company’s involvement.

“Built is proud to be the delivery partner of the GEESP program, supporting on-the-job training at our tier one construction site.

“Our partnerships with programs like GEESP, and community organisations such as Give Where You Live Foundation’s GROW initiative, will support unprecedented local and social outcomes at Nyaal Banyul, reinforcing Built’s ongoing commitment to the Geelong region.” Morgan said.

Nyaal Banyul is a central element of the Geelong City Deal, a collaborative effort by the Australian Government, the Victorian Government, and the City of Greater Geelong, aimed at transforming Geelong and the Great Ocean Road area.

Expected to be complete in 2026, the precinct will provide over 700 ongoing jobs and aligns with the Central Geelong Framework Plan, envisioning 30 years of growth and transformation for central Geelong.