“Nyaal Banyul’s core identity is shaped by the northern façade’s fluid ribbon of glazed ceramic tiles developed specifically for this project,” said Bruno Mendes, director at Woods Bagot, the architect that is part of the consortium delivering the convention centre precinct in Geelong.
“The tones and textures of the undulating tiles respond to the shifting light that floods the bay from sunrise to sunset, while regulating the building’s thermal performance.”
With the centre aiming for zero-carbon operation, the tiled and glazed façade of Nyaal Banyul will help insulate the building, improving its operational efficiency.
Both Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification and a 5-star Green Star Building rating are being pursued for Australia’s newest convention centre. A 1,100 solar panel system has already been installed on the venue’s roof.
“The world-class Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has been carefully, sustainably and considerately designed in partnership with Traditional Owners – once complete it will be the centrepiece of a stunning new precinct in the heart of Geelong,” said Harriet Shing, who is both the minister for Development Victoria and the state’s precincts minister.
Geelong’s mayor, Stretch Kontelj OAM, believes the venue will have a profound impact on the destination.
“Once complete, Nyaal Banyul will be a game-changer for Geelong – drawing hundreds of thousands of delegates, driving economic development, creating hundreds of local jobs and cementing our city’s reputation as a leading destination for business and major events,” he said.
“It will be a landmark investment in our future and a tremendous asset for our community.”
The venue is the first convention centre in Australia to be developed from its very beginning with the local Traditional Owners, via the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).
“Seeing the build taking shape on Wadawurrung Country, reflecting Djilang’s Western Beach cliffs as part of the co-design, fills me with pride,” said Wadawurrung woman and WTOAC Cultural Strengthening general manager, Corrina Eccles.
“The Western Beach cliffs are an important cultural place for us, where our old people gathered together, yarned and celebrated together. Djilang residents and visitors can gather, yarn and celebrate here at Nyaal Banyul.”
A crew of 500 is also currently working to complete landscaping and internal fit out for the convention centre, which is already taking bookings for 2026.
To date, construction of the convention centre has progressed rapidly, with major works beginning in early 2024 and the building reaching its halfway point in early October last year.
Once open, Nyaal Banyul will offer a 1,000-seat tiered theatre, a flat floor space of just under 2,000m2 and up to seven other meeting rooms. There will also be a few other spaces for standing events.
