West End developer launches grant program to “kick-start” retail

The developer of West Melbourne’s West End precinct is offering businesses grants of up to $150,000 to take up tenancies along Melbourne’s newest retail precinct and laneway, Wominjeka Walk.

Developer Trennery Property launched the “West End Kickstarter Grant” and Wominjeka Walk on October 10 alongside Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, with the new precinct offering up to seven leasable spaces to emerging businesses.

The grants are being offered under an innovative expression of interest (EOI) campaign by Trennery Property, which is seeking to attract Melburnians with “great ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit” to take up tenancies within its precinct.

The initiative has been led by Propella.ai research, with grants between $15,000 and $150,000 available to businesses able to provide a convincing business plan for activating the new precinct and the growing and “culturally diverse” West Melbourne community.

Trennery Property said the research identified that West End “was ripe for budding businesses across the fields of health, wellness, IT, barbers, hairdressers, creatives, culinary services, and convenience services”.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said it was great to see the private sector investing in such initiatives that complemented the council’s ongoing commitment to revitalising the CBD.

“Melbourne is renowned for its iconic laneways, unique shops and tantalising food destinations,” Cr Capp said.

“West Melbourne is an eclectic suburb that is rapidly transforming, and the West End Retail Kickstarter Grant will play a significant role in revitalising this wonderful pocket of the city.”

“I can’t wait to see these shopfronts filled with creative and talented tenants. I’m especially looking forward to seeing Wominjeka Walk – which means ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language – come to life through this economy-boosting initiative.”

For more information: westend.melbourne •