Media release: Clayton Utz supports Development Victoria to deliver the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

The project includes the construction of the purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1000 seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. As the centrepiece project of the Geelong City Deal, the project also comprises a precinct activation which will include retail spaces, a large public plaza and a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel.

Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a Partnerships Victoria project , with the Plenary Conventions consortium – comprising Plenary Group (sponsor and investor), Built Pty Ltd (builder) and BGIS (services provider) – appointed by the State to finance, design and construct Nyaal Banyul, and will maintain the facility alongside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust who will operate it.

Core Clayton Utz team members included Partners Jo Pugsley, Natalie Speranza, Dan Fitts, and Alison Kennedy who led the firm's team working alongside Special Counsel Lisa Hornsby, Senior Associate Claire McBride and Lawyer Claire Anderson.

Commenting on the deal, Jo Pugsley said:

The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre plans to transform Geelong and will be a major driver of jobs and economic growth in regional Victoria, supporting 1,450 jobs during construction and 700 jobs once complete. It was a privilege to support Development Victoria on this important project to strengthen regional Victoria's economy.

Our role in the project saw us collaborate across practices, combining our expertise from the Major Projects and Construction, Real Estate, Banking, and Environment and Sustainable Development practice groups. I'm proud of the group effort from our Clayton Utz team to successfully deliver the financial close of this project.

We look forward to continuing to work with Development Victoria in future.