THE first microbrewery at Port Douglas is designed to give the town’s neglected marina a new lease of life.

Work has started on the multi-million dollar Hemingway’s Brewery microbrewery, bar and restaurant that will form a key part of The Reef Marina’s expansion, which includes the $3 million, 30- berth expansion opened last week as well as upgraded shops.

The brewery is the brainchild of charter fishing operators Tony Fyfe and Craig Parsell who want to put the “port” back into Port Douglas while providing a relaxed destination for guests to enjoy authentic craft beer brewed fresh on site.

The business partners said Port Douglas needed to continue investing in its waterfront, creating a venue capitalising on the natural beauty of the region and its history as a fishing port and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

media_camera LOCATION, LOCATION: This image shows where the new Hemingway's Brewery is to be built at The Reef Marina, Port Douglas. PIC: SUPPLIED

“As locals, we wanted to create a waterfront offering that has not yet been experienced in Port Douglas. We want Hemingway’s Brewery to become part of the Port Douglas story, a place where locals can meet to relax, enjoy an authentic craft beer and take in the slice of paradise we call home,” Mr Fyfe said.

He said the microbrewery – due to open in May next year – was meeting the growing demand for craft beer. It would employ more than 30 people.

“When compared to commercially manufactured brands, craft beer is a fresher and healthier alternative,” Mr Fyfe said.

He said the project would feature a state-of-the-art, on-site microbrewery developed in consultation with industry consultant Costa Nikias from Melbourne’s Beverage and Brewing Consulting. Hemingway’s will offer a menu of gourmet pizzas, tapas and barbecue-style food.

The two-level venue at the southern end of the marina covers 850sq m and will seat at least 450 people, both in indoor and outdoor areas.

The top floor includes a bar and event centre while below will be garden and lounge bars and a children’s play area.