The Wharf at Honeysuckle is set to transform into Newcastle’s newest gourmet food and entertainment venue after a development application was lodged with City of Newcastle for ‘Hope at Honeysuckle’.
Lee Wharf A, now known as The Wharf, was built in 1910 and was originally used for wool storage and as a cargo port. For a decade, the building was also utilised as Newcastle’s Maritime Centre until its closure in 2018.
Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) called for tenders in late 2019 seeking a tenant that would complement other businesses in the Honeysuckle precinct.
Hope Estate owner Michael Hope snapped up the 50-year lease with a vision to bring the best of Hunter Valley wine country to the Newcastle harbourside.
“We have worked closely with our architects to come up with a design that really showcases the location while being sympathetic to the original fabric of the building,” Hope said.
“It was really important for us to bring a feeling of space to ‘Hope at Honeysuckle’, but instead of looking out at rolling hills and rows of vines, that feeling will come from the expanse of water and views to the horizon.”
Hope said the front of the building would remain largely unchanged, and the harbourside would receive an all-weather space suitable for outdoor dining and to help make the most of the building’s location.
“The point of difference in our development application is an additional level of outdoor space designed to really take advantage of the amazing view,” he said.
“We can’t wait to bring more of the Hope experience to you in Honeysuckle.”
Hope at Honeysuckle will feature a cellar door, providore retail, a restaurant and space to include wine tastings, cooking masterclasses and beer-matching experiences.
HCCDC completed a major $4.7M restoration that involved repairs to the heritage facade of the building, significant stabilisation and seawall repairs and the re-establishment of a harbourside deck.
HCCDC Chief Operating Officer Valentina Misevska said submitting the development application was a big milestone for the new venture.
“Hope at Honeysuckle is set to become something really special in the heart of Newcastle, and once fitted-out, the adaptive reuse of the building will really showcase the best of this precinct and create a unique experience for both locals and visitors,” Misevska said.
“Creating a vibrant destination venue that offers fun experiences both day and night, encouraging people to linger longer while enhancing our built heritage definitely aligns with our objectives for the broader precinct.”
Hayley McMahon
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