The Wharf attracts Hope at Honeysuckle

An exciting tourism offering dedicated to Hunter food, wine and exceptional experience will become a mainstay in the heart of Honeysuckle, with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) awarding a 50-year lease to Hope Estate to deliver something truly distinctive at The Wharf building.

HCCDC took The Wharf building to market in late-2019 with the aim of attracting a drawcard destination to enhance the Honeysuckle offering for locals and visitors to enjoy, day and night.

Acting Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said Hope at Honeysuckle was a fantastic concept that the community can truly look forward to enjoying.

“We are really delighted that Hope Estate will be coming to Honeysuckle with a creative offering that will appeal to locals, tourists, students and more.

“We were pleased with the response to our call for proposals, and we are happy that the proponent is an experienced local operator that really knows how to do food, wine and entertainment exceedingly well.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said that Hope will create another great reason to visit the precinct.

“We’re going to see something really special that brings people into Honeysuckle and complements the existing great food, beverage and tourism options.

“I’m looking forward to the vibrancy, activity and culture that this will bring to the area,” said Ms Cusack.

Hope at Honeysuckle will be a bespoke and unique Hunter Valley experience on the harbourfront that showcases the region’s exceptional food, wine, beer and spirits. The concept will have a kindred connection to the famous Pokolbin destination that has attracted people near and far for the wine, food and sensational entertainment.

Making the most of the heritage building and its waterside location, Michael Hope and his team will create a drawcard destination with a cellar door, providore retail, restaurant and dining options.

“Hope comes with two generations of family that have actively worked to make the business what it is today, and we are very proud of that legacy,” said Mr Hope.

“We want locals and visitors alike to engage with us and enjoy something unique, which may be a wine tasting, cooking masterclass or a beer matching experience.

“Bringing the Hunter Valley into the city is an exciting step for our business, and we look forward to delivering something that becomes iconic for Honeysuckle in a new and exceptional location.”

Hope at Honeysuckle follows HCCDC’s recent $4.7 million restoration works to repair the heritage fabric of the building, including significant underwater works to the substructure and reinstatement of an 817 square metre outdoor deck over the water.

Michael Hope and team will work with HCCDC on final designs and will apply for DA approval from City of Newcastle before works commence.