Plenary Conventions preferred for Geelong’s new convention centre precinct
Built are excited to be part of the Plenary Conventions consortium which has been named preferred proponent for the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct development.
Through this project, we’re committed to working with local subcontractors and suppliers to support local jobs and businesses, including working with gforce to recruit almost 30 new local apprentice and trainee positions from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Built is excited to have local trainees and apprentices from various trades work alongside its experienced team to deliver this exciting precinct in the heart of Geelong. Local trainees and apprentices will gain invaluable experience on a tier 1 construction site that will support their future career pathways.
The project will transform the 1.6-hectare waterfront car parking site into a world-class precinct, with the construction of a purpose-built convention and exhibition space.
There will be a 1,000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.
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.
The project is being delivered as a public-private partnership, with the Plenary Conventions consortium 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.
The Plenary Conventions consortium comprises
- Plenary Group as sponsor, investor, hotel and commercial office developer and investor, and asset manager
- Built as builder
- BGIS as facilities management services contractor
- Quintessential Equity as commercial office development partner and investor
- Woods Bagot as design and architecture lead
The hotel will also further boost local employment opportunities and strengthen the region’s visitor economy.
Plenary Group Chair John O’Rourke said the consortium is relishing the opportunity to partner with the Victorian Government and its stakeholders to bring this exciting project to life.
“This project provides a great opportunity for Geelong and the greater Bellarine and Surf Coast region to add to its reputation as a leading regional city and a tourism, business events and retail destination, creating local job opportunities and further contributing to Greater Geelong’s visitor and tourism economies,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the Victorian Government to deliver on that promise.”
Plenary Conventions now enters a period of exclusive negotiations with the Victorian Government to finalise contract details.
Preliminary site works are underway and construction is set to begin shortly, with the convention centre and hotel expected to be complete in 2026.
View the joint government announcement.
For more information on the project visit Regional Development Victoria
For more information on the Geelong City Deal visit infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities.
