Plans lodged for unique ‘Hope at Honeysuckle’ at Newcastle’s historic wharf building

The almost $4 million drawcard destination will feature a cellar door, providore retail, restaurant, and dining options, with space for wine tastings and cooking masterclasses.

One of Newcastle’s landmark and heritage harbour side offerings is one step closer to becoming a vibrant destination venue.

The former Newcastle Maritime Museum and historic wharf building at Honeysuckle is set to be transformed into a food and entertainment hub with the development application now lodged for ‘Hope at Honeysuckle’.

In prime waterfront position, the $3.98 million proposal would bring the best of the Hunter to Newcastle, showcasing some of the best local gourmet products from the Hunter Valley, encouraging people to stay longer on their visit to Newcastle’s popular Foreshore.

Development application has been lodged for 'Hope at Honeysuckle' - a food and entertainment hub set for the former Newcastle Maritime Museum. Supplied.

The drawcard destination will feature a cellar door, providore retail, restaurant, and dining options, with space for wine tastings, cooking masterclasses or beer matching experiences.

Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) Chief Operating Officer Valentina Misevska said ‘Hope at Honeysuckle’ is set to become something really special in the heart of Newcastle.

“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,” Ms Misevska said.

The former Newcastle Maritime Museum and wharf building at Honeysuckle which has plans lodged for a 'vibrant' destination hub of food, wine and entertainment. Supplied.

“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.”

Ms Misevska said it will bring Hunter Valley produce to the people of Newcastle.

“People are more aware than ever of buying and supporting local and this initiative will make it easier for the people of Newcastle to do this,” she said.

“Through Hope’s business in Pokolbin, Hope have existing relationships with a number of local producers and have had preliminary discussions with others, including Hunter Belle Dairy Co, Hunter Valley Cheese Co, Binnorie Dairy, Hunter Valley Chocolate Co, Madam Cocoa, and Sprocket Coffee Roasters. The details are being worked through.

“All beer, the majority of wine and majority of spirits will be Hope’s own produce. Hope will also supply the beef raised on their property at Pokolbin which is fed on the spent grain from our brewing process.”

Owner Michael Hope said the design of the project was unique to really fit-in with the surrounding area.

“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,” Mr 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 at Honeysuckle' will offer gourmet Hunter produce, wine tastings and even cooking masterclasses. Supplied.

“From the Honeysuckle Drive frontage, the building will remain largely unchanged. On the harbour side, we want to create an all-weather space for outdoor dining to provide that much sought-after indoor-outdoor feel as well as making the most of the deck area and its proximity to the water.

“The point of difference in our development application is an additional level of outdoor space designed to really take advantage of the amazing view.”

Plans were lodged with Newcastle City Council on Monday.

The venue is approved is scheduled to open in late 2022.