The awards recognised 23 businesses across six categories, with 4,289 unique voters taking part in the People's Choice vote. Winners were announced at a ceremony at Ocular at Zeitz MOCAA on Thursday, 29 October.
There were multiple wins for Simply Bee and Two Oceans Aquarium. Simply Bee took both New & Revamped: Small Business and People's Choice: Small Business, while Two Oceans Aquarium was named Global Ambassador in the Destination Advocate category, as well as the public's favourite attraction.
The Tenant of the Year awards recognised five businesses across the precinct's different sectors. Baia Seafood Restaurant was named winner for Retail and Food & Beverage, Mirage took the Attractions award, Red Bull won Commercial, Mitchell Du Plessis and Associates was recognised in Marine and Industrial, and Zuney took Small Business.
The awards were expanded this year to include small businesses, attractions, commercial operators, and marine and industrial tenants, reflecting the Waterfront's role as both a visitor destination and a working harbour.
“Creating an inspiring waterfront neighbourhood depends on the collective contribution of the people and businesses who shape it every day,” says Graham Wood, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.
“This year’s winners show what that looks like in practice, in every part of the Waterfront, from a local maker’s shop and a seafood restaurant to our attractions, offices and harbour.”
The awards also highlighted the businesses and makers contributing to the Waterfront's creative community. This year's bespoke trophies were created by Umi Ceramics, Crates of Beauty, Zizamele Ceramics, Nammu Ceramics and Ckho Ceramique.
The People's Choice winners were selected through public voting, while the wider programme included judged entries, service assessments and sector recognition. Truth administered the judging for five awards: Sustainability, Impact, Global Ambassador, Staff Talent and Marketing Excellence.
The 2026 V&A Neighbourhood Awards comprised 23 awards across six sections, with some businesses receiving recognition in more than one category.
