Nyaal Banyul milestone is a major boost for local construction industry
Geelong’s Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has reached an important milestone with roofing panels being lowered into place to complete the precinct’s first vertical structure.
The 15-metre-tall structure of the 1000-seat Plenary Hall and purpose-built Exhibition Hall will include conference facilities, quality food and beverage retailers, a large public plaza, and hotel overlooking Corio Bay.
As construction partner for the Plenary Conventions consortium, Australian-owned contractor Built is overseeing the project’s execution.
Construction Director Andrew Morgan stated that completing the structural work for the precinct’s two largest event spaces is a key achievement paving the way for the commencement of internal finishes and advancement of the roof structure across the entire precinct.
“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,” said Mr Morgan.
Locally owned and operated company Faulkner Roofing is installing 8,000 square metres of roofing across the entire centre including the Halls. Geelong-based business Hanlon Industries has also supplied 400 tonnes of locally manufactured steel for the structures.
Faulkner Roofing Director Dane Hoyer said his team is excited to be involved with such an iconic build that friends and family will be able to enjoy for years to come.
“After operating in Geelong for over 20 years, it’s rewarding to see our business growing as a result of large projects in our own hometown,” said Mr Hoyer.
“The project’s focus on supporting local is a game changer for so many businesses in the region, as well as our young apprentices who will learn their roofing trade on Geelong’s most impressive construction site,” he added.
Faulkner Roofing will host three apprenticeship opportunities for local priority jobseekers, contributing 4,000 hours of work as part of the Nyaal Banyul Early Engagement Social Procurement program. The program was co-designed by Development Victoria, the Give Where You Live Foundation’s GROW initiative, social enterprise gforce, and delivered by Built.
Mr Morgan said the scale of the project is unlike anything he has seen in Geelong during his 25-year career, presenting a significant opportunity for all local businesses and creating substantial employment prospects within the region’s construction industry, including for local priority jobseekers.
“As an Australian-owned national contractor, we feel immense pride delivering Nyaal Banyul’s industry-leading social procurement outcomes, while also building capability and enhancing skills within our region,” said Mr Morgan.
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 Australian Government and City of Greater Geelong.
Upon completion in 2026, it is estimated that the precinct will support hundreds of ongoing jobs and boost visitation to the region.
For more information on the Geelong City Deal and precinct visit: infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities
