Local manufacturers deliver world-class precinct
The Allan Labor Government is supporting the Geelong region’s award-winning manufacturing and construction businesses, with the landmark Nyaal Banyul development fast becoming a showcase of all they have to offer.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens today represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes onsite at the development, which now features more than 6,000 square-metres of 100 per cent locally manufactured carpet produced by Geelong-based Godfrey Hirst.
For Godfrey Hirst, the project has supported commercialisation of a flooring technology that places the Geelong manufacturer at the forefront of its industry. The company’s new ‘Enviro Grip™’ technology makes the venue’s hall and theatre carpet removable without the use of adhesives – a big advantage for exhibition spaces.
It’s this type of innovation that has just seen the company named as Regional Manufacturer of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards. The Enviro Grip carpet was co-designed with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and is the latest in long list of design features at Nyaal Banyul that celebrate Wadawurrung Culture.
Sitting beneath the award-winning company’s carpet is concrete that was batched around the bay at Moolap by the family-owned Barro Group. Overhead, the roof structure includes steel fabricated at Hanlon Industry’s Corio plant, as well as flashings from nearby Rodgers Sheetmetal.
While on the walls are joinery and cladding manufactured by North Geelong-based Jacaranda Industries featuring locally milled fabric from LoomTex and Instyle. It’s a demonstration of the collective, transformative impact that the project is having in Geelong, supporting industry capability and competitiveness.
Set to open in July 2026, Nyaal Banyul is the centrepiece of the $676 million Geelong City Deal, a 10-year plan to revitalise Geelong and unlock the potential of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy backed by investments from the Australian and Victorian governments, as well as the City of Greater Geelong.
The development is being delivered as a precinct partnership by Development Victoria and the Plenary Conventions consortium, with Plenary Group as sponsor and investor as well as hotel and commercial building developer, Built as builder, Woods Bagot as architect and BGIS as facilities manager.
The venue will be managed by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) and is set to create hundreds of jobs across hospitality, tourism, events and services when it opens to the public in July.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes: “Nyaal Banyul continues to drive economic benefits to Geelong and regional Victoria, engaging our skilled manufacturing industry, engaging the construction sector and creating jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing: “By partnering with local business and Traditional Owners, we’re creating a precinct that reflects our community’s identity and fosters long-term opportunities for employment and community connection.
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Chris Couzens: “The innovation and expertise of Victorian businesses and tradespeople are on full display as this project enters its final stages of construction.”
Quote attributable to Godfrey Hirst National Commercial Sales Manager Joel Williamson: “The project’s focus on local sourcing is a credit to the State government and the project team Our involvement early in the design process enabled development of industry-leading carpet technology to deliver on the project’s custom requirements.”
Quote attributable to Built Head of Operations Andrew Morgan: “Godfrey Hirst's close proximity allowed our delivery team, architect Woods Bagot and Godfrey Hirst's technical team to develop and test Enviro Grip™ technology onsite, while also enabling a responsive design process to perfect the culturally influenced design.”