Major building works on Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre are now done, with the facility on track to publicly open in July.
Finishing touches, fit-outs and testing are all that remain to finish the Geelong convention centre precinct after the main works were officially completed on 13 March.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio Richard Marles said it was wonderful to see the vision for the centre taking shape on the waterfront.
“Seeing the major construction works completed at Nyaal Banyul marks a proud moment for our community,” he said.
“Nyaal Banyul will be a game changer for our region, and its construction has supported local jobs, and very soon it will bring visitors, events, and new economic opportunities to Geelong.”
The centre will feature a 1000-seat theatre, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, flexible event spaces, food and beverage offerings, and the public Gheringhap Plaza.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the plaza would be a popular place for people to gather, featuring an event space, outdoor dining and more than 1700 plants.
“The convention centre is a game changer in making Geelong a tourism and entertainment destination,” she said.
“We are supporting hundreds of new jobs right here in our local communities through Nyaal Banyul, attracting more tourism and major events into the heart of Geelong.”
Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said Nyaal Banyul was the centrepiece of the state and federal government’s $676 million Geelong City Deal investment.
“Working across all levels of government has allowed us to pull off this huge achievement that the local community should be proud of,” she said.
“This convention centre will enhance the Geelong waterfront as a vibrant hub that supports local jobs and showcases world-class talent.”
There are already conferences and events locked in for the centre from July, which is set to create hundreds more jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services when it opens.
