The call is out for hospitality operators to register interest in being part of the $450 million Geelong convention centre, as its developers look to tenant multiple spaces including a new gastropub.
Construction began in 2023 on the all-new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (NBGC) precinct, slated for completion and opening mid-2026.
Covering a 1.6-ha site, the NBGC is primarily comprised of the purpose-built convention and exhibition structure, which incorporates a 1K-seat venue, as well as two large exhibition halls, meeting rooms, facilities and flexible spaces.
The wider site will also feature a large public plaza, retail spaces for food and beverage offerings, and a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel. Primary investor and sponsor is Plenary Group. The builder is Built and architect Woods Bagot.
There are now a half-dozen tenancies on offer, spanning 700sqm of floorspace plus outdoor seating.
These are earmarked to be a two-storey gastropub, a fine dining restaurant, general store, convenience outlet and an all-day cafe.
The convention centre will also operate a café, and Crowne Plaza hotel will oversee another restaurant and sky bar.
The precinct is expected to attract both locals and tourists from all over the world, and focus research has found visitors want to experience local offerings. It’s hoped the f&b venues will showcase the region’s produce, and Paul Crowe, Plenary’s chief investment officer, says they are “looking for great ideas” on how to achieve this.
“We really want the precinct to tap into the Bellarine Peninsula, Geelong, Surf Coast and the like, and be a showcase, because that’s what tourists want,” Crowe said at the Crowne hotel ’topping out’ ceremony in December, which involved lifting a tree onto the roof of the 11-storey building.
“We want the precinct to attract conventions and people to the hotel, and they want to be able to engage with Geelong and the region.”
TheNBGC precinct is a major component of and centrepiece project to the Geelong City Deal, a plan to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road, and is set to be one of the biggest developments in regional Victoria.
It is supported at all levels of government, seeing the State contribute over $416 million, Federal contributing $30 million and the City of Greater Geelong contributing $3 million.
Plenary Group has engaged CBRE and Gartland to conduct an Expressions of Interest campaign, running for two months. Organisers hope to have all tenants finalised by the end of 2025.
“I think everyone will be surprised in how much visitation comes to the waterfront when we unlock this down there,” furthered Crowe.
“We want some really good operators to come along and create the vibe for the precinct, we are pretty excited to be at this point, launching the call-out.”
For more information on the project visit Development Victoria’s Nyaal Banyul webpage, or here for the EOI offer through CBRE and Gartland.