New home for Brisbane’s First Nations' entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives

• The Wheelhouse will support the growth of small and medium enterprises in Brisbane, accommodating up to 170 workers in a warehouse-style building.
• The $5.9 million project is funded by Economic Development Queensland as part of the $12 billion urban renewal precinct within the Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area.
• Bridgeman, a Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, is spearheading construction of The Wheelhouse, which is slated to open in early 2025.

Construction is now underway on a new cutting-edge co-working and innovation space that is set to transform Northshore Brisbane and cultivate a thriving community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives.

Situated adjacent to the renowned Eat Street Northshore, The Wheelhouse will span 1,172 square metres across two levels in a warehouse-style building and accommodate up to 170 workers.

The facility will boast flexible workspaces, collaborative meeting rooms, town hall and event spaces, and a communal kitchen area, offering a versatile and inspiring setting for professionals.

Bridgeman has been awarded the building contract for the $5.9 million project, which will deliver an estimated 16 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and five jobs once operational.

A Queensland SME and Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, Bridgeman supports First Nations businesses and peoples and will use local contractors, manufacturers and supply chains for goods, services, materials and equipment.

The Miles Government is a proud supporter of First Nations businesses in Queensland.

The Wheelhouse is being funded by EDQ as part of the $12 billion urban renewal within the Northshore Hamilton PDA, which is transforming the former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use precinct.

Construction commenced this month with the facility slated to open its doors for business in early 2025.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“Positioned as an innovation hub, The Wheelhouse will support the success of start-up and scale-up businesses by providing flexible rental spaces and a dynamic environment for creativity and collaboration.

“This project aims to cultivate a thriving community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives through the exchange of ideas, networking opportunities, and access to mentoring and support services.

“In addition to the daily work environment, The Wheelhouse will host various events such as workshops, seminars and pitch nights, showcasing the diverse talent and potential within the local SME sector.

“The Queensland Government is proud to partner with Bridgeman, a Queensland SME that is committed to supporting local and First Nations businesses and fostering training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Bridgeman works to pre-qualify capable and reliable First Nations businesses and advocates for the inclusion of First Nations businesses in non-Indigenous supply chains.

“They will also ensure 100 percent engagement with local contractors, manufacturers, and supply chains, creating job opportunities for Queenslanders and enhancing community involvement in the project’s development.”

Quotes attributable to Adam Sarota, Owner and Managing Director, Bridgeman:

“Bridgeman reinforces Economic Development Queensland’s vision ‘to create and invest in sustainable places for Queensland to prosper’.

“As a Supply Nation certified Indigenous company, we are committed to ensuring that we provide leadership, support, and encouragement to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“We are dedicated to encouraging partnerships between industries and other Indigenous companies along the supply chain.

“That is why we created the Bridgeman Yarning Circle, a unique Indigenous supply chain network that provides companies with genuine, pre-qualified, accredited, and compliant Indigenous companies.

“These companies would never tender for government work directly, but through us they get a chance.”

Further information:

• The Northshore Hamilton PDA was declared on 27 March 2008. It covers 304 hectares, has over three kilometres of river frontage and is only 6km from both the Brisbane CBD and Brisbane Airport.
• First Nations engagement and enterprise is a key development principle of Northshore Brisbane, which is Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal precinct. For more information, visit northshorebrisbane.com.au.
• Supply Nation (supplynation.org.au) is Australia’s largest national directory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. To become certified, a business must be 51 percent or more Indigenous owned, managed and controlled.

ENDS

Media contact: Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237