The former Maritime Museum at Honeysuckle will be home to a new Hunter Valley wine experience.
Hunter Valley winery, Hope Estate have been granted a 50-year-lease on the building by the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC).
HCCDC took The Wharf building to market in late 2019 with the aim of attracting a drawcard destination.
Owner of Hope Estate, Michael Hope says it will allow new people to enjoy the offerings of the Hunter Valley.
"'One of the biggest challenges we face, the feedback we get, is people say we'd love to come up and try some of your beers but we'd need to organise a bus."
"Where as if we're actually in Newcastle, I think there'll be a lot of locals who say that's a nice afternoon or evening that we can spend going to taste beer and wine."
"We also think as a tourist destination, especially if you're looking at cruise ships or people travelling to Newcastle, it gives them a Hunter Valley Wine experience, if they're short of time and can't come all the way up the valley."
30 of Hope Estates own beers will be on tap at the venue, showcasing a wider range of local brews, with 12 on tap at the Pokolbin Estate.
A cellar door and function space is also included in the building design, as well as a casual dining kitchen.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said that Hope Estate will create another great reason to visit the precinct.
“I’m looking forward to the vibrancy, activity and culture that this will bring to the area,” said Ms Cusack.
Mr Hope is hoping to have the building plans approved by Newcastle Council by April next year, and ideally open the doors by September 2021.
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.
