Last year saw Portside Wharf kickstart a $20-million revitalisation process – one that has seen the riverside hub reinvigorated into one of Brisbane’s leading dining precincts. In 2023 alone, Portside Wharf celebrated the openings of seafood restaurant Fosh, French-inspired boulangerie Rise Bakery, artisanal gelato shop Rosé Gelateria and a new location for popular yakitori bar Bird’s Nest.

The revitalisation effort is set to continue well into this year, with Portside Wharf announcing a suite of grants and incentives to entice retailers to join the precinct’s evolution and fill the next batch of available tenancies. Portside is offering 23 packages ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 across five categories (curated convenience, lifestyle boutique, health and wellness, waterfront dining and local social hub), with funds contributing to fit-out costs, marketing contributions and rent support.

A number of retail tenancies are up for grabs (ranging from 53 sqm to 990 sqm), with opportunities available within Portside’s established hub and new-to-market opportunities along the Brisbane riverfront, below the new Gallery House and Rivello apartment buildings.

“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,” says Brookfield Properties executive vice president Lee Butterworth.

In the coming weeks, two new eateries will join Portside Wharf’s cadre of dining spots, including noodle joint Sugee Ramen and a new location for multi-regional Chinese restaurant Uncle Wang. Later in the year, the crew at All Stars Hospitality Group (the team behind Newstead Social, Melt Brothers and Wonderland) will open Portside Social – a slick gastropub concept that will be modelled closely on Newstead Social’s multifaceted approach to hospitality.

“Portside Social will be your good old fashioned local pub, with an elevated ambiance and menu,” said All Stars Hospitality Group co-director Justin Kong. “Customers can expect all their classic pub favourites, from a selection of burgers to bangers and mash, fish and chips, chicken schnitzel and parmigiana, salads, steaks, and a selection of beer, wine and cocktails.”

Portside Social is taking shape in a 224-sqm space adjacent to Italian restaurant Gusto Da Gianni. Clui Design is spearheading the interior styling, with a light and open industrial-inspired fit-out by Lowry Group commencing in March.

Retailers are encouraged to lodge an expression of interest before Friday April 19 here.