Construction of Nyaal Banyul — a major centrepiece of Geelong's landmark $676 million waterfront development — has been completed.

Co-designed with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the development is the growing region's first purpose-built convention centre, with cultural values a major feature of the precinct.

Nyaal Banyul (pronounced N-yaal Bahn-Yule) is derived from Wadawurrung language, meaning "open your eyes to the hills".

It was gifted as the site's official name by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), to reflect the landscape and cultural history of the area.

WTOAC co-CEO, Rebekah Devlin, said the site had long been a significant gathering place for Wadawurrung People for thousands of generations.

"One strong connection to the site is embodied in the depiction of seven Wadawurrung community members, who are in the incredible mural that was created," she said.

Geelong's Western Beach cliffs are considered culturally and spiritually significant for Wadawurrung people.

The precinct sits on land historically known as Baierr, traditionally used as a gathering place.

From the site, views extend to the Wurdi Youang (You Yangs) and Anakie Youang to the north, the Bellawiyn (Bellarine) hills to the east, Fyansford hill to the west and the Barrabul (Barrabool) hills to the south.

For years WTOAC has been working with major project contractors and the state and Federal government since the design phase of the building and public spaces, ensuring local cultural heritage was recognised throughout the space.

It said the naming process was significant for the return of language to Country and to local TOs.

"We appreciate being invited to provide design principles... on this part of Country, as the Western Beach cliffs holds special cultural value to Wadawurrung," WTOAC said.

Nyaal Banyul includes a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible, dynamic event options.

Gheringhap Plaza will provide outdoor experiences and event space, an 80sqm LED screen and almost 2000 plants. A 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel is already open at the major precinct.

More than 1,400 people were employed for the construction, including 250 trained apprentices, with 440 subcontractors involved in the project.

Deputy prime minister and long-standing Corio MP, Richard Marles, thanked Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for helping transform the waterfront site.

"Seeing major construction works completed at Nyaal Banyul is a proud moment for our community," he said.

"Nyaal Banyul will be a game changer for our region, and its construction has already created local jobs, and very soon will bring visitors, events, and new opportunities."

Minister for Regional Development, Kristy McBain, said Nyaal Banyul would drive long-term economic growth and cultural and social cohesion.

"Embedding Wadawurrung language in the name is part of safeguarding First Nations culture and heritage," she said.

Her state counterpart, Harriet Shing, said Nyaal Banyul recognised the site's cultural history and would continue to for generations.

"It is fitting a name has been chosen that reflects the site's cultural significance and history," she said.

Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, said the centrepiece would celebrate and honor Indigenous culture.

"The Geelong region, like all of Australia, is rich in cultural history ... we are proud to recognise, respect and celebrate this culture of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners with locals and visitors," she said.

Greater Geelong mayor, Trent Sullivan, said the sprawling venue would engage local, tourism and business cohorts with Wadawurrung history.

"It's exciting this centrepiece venue will educate visitors on the history and ongoing culture of the Wadawurrung people," he said.

Venue operators Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust said it would continue engaging with the Wadawurrung community ahead of the centre's opening later in 2026.

Strong First Nations elements were central to its major interior fitouts.

"Continuous engagement with the Wadawurrung community is important and a strong focus for us," MCET chief executive Natalie O'Brien AM said.

"We seek to honour and strengthen our ... First Nations knowledge, heritage and truth-telling ... through the centre and in future operations."

Interior works are now being completed ahead of Nyaal Banyul's opening later this year.