Grants and incentives of up to $500,000 are being offered to retailers to establish at Portside Wharf in Brisbane as part of a $20 million enhancement program revitalising the mixed-use riverfront precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympics.

Up to 23 packages, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, are available under the initiative which aims to curate a mix of retailers in the waterfront village.

Brookfield Properties executive vice president, Lee Butterworth said the grants and incentives program was envisioned as a way of partnering with retailers who shared its vision for the beloved riverside village.

“The idea behind the program is to carefully curate the village mix. We want to work with like-minded operators who will become an integral part of Hamilton and Brisbane at large,” he said.

“There are some 9,000 residents in Hamilton with another 4,700 people working in the 20-minute neighbourhood, and those numbers are expected to surge as we move closer to the Games. This is our way of ensuring we bring the right partners to Portside and inject new energy into our village by the water. We’ll be making opportunities available for established businesses, emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Butterworth said retailers across five categories – health and wellness, waterfront dining, local social hub, lifestyle boutique and curated convenience – were invited to apply.

“This might include assisting with the cost of establishing and fitting-out, designs costs, marketing support, or any aspect that would benefit each retailer in locating,” he said.

The first stage of the village revitalisation kicked off in 2023, attracting new retailers to the village including fine dining seafood restaurant, Fosh, French boulangerie, Rise Bakery, yakitori bar, Bird’s Nest and artisanal gelato store, Rosé Gelateria.

Modern family-friendly sushi restaurant, Choo Choo Sushi opened its doors on 1 February, with advanced fit-out underway on multi-regional Chinese restaurant Uncle Wang – its second venue in Brisbane following its success at The Barracks – and Sugee Ramen, both set to open in the coming weeks.

Retailers are invited to lodge an expression of interest before 19 April at inportsidewharf.com.au