THE man who brought Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones to the Hunter Valley has clinched a deal to bring the vineyards to Newcastle's waterfront.
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But don't expect Hope Estate's new venture to deliver rock and roll by the water.
The Newcastle Herald can reveal Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) has granted a 50-year lease to Michael Hope to set up shop in the site that formerly housed the Newcastle Maritime Museum.
Offers opened on the site late last year after the museum's lease wound up in 2018.
Acting HCCDC chief executive Valentina Misevska said the winning bid, HOPE at Honeysuckle, was chosen from eight "quality submissions" for the 1910 structure.
"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," she said.
Michael Hope said he had been looking for a venue in Newcastle "for years" and hoped to lodge plans for a venue offering 30 of Hope Estate's own beers on tap alongside a cellar door and full kitchen.
The venue will also host events including masterclasses and feature Hope-brand spirits, Mr Hope said, which will go into production soon.
He said the concept was simple: wine country on the water, and an experience that branched into education about producing fine food, beer, wine and more.
"What we are seeing, and COVID has probably focused it more, is that people are looking for experiences," Mr Hope said.
"It's not a beer barn. We won't be going past midnight, I've got no interest in that nightclub scene."
While music would be part of the experience, he said it was unlikely to extend the landmark Pokolbin amphitheatre's regular rock schedule into the city.
He said his sons Sam, 20, and Jonno, 25, would be a key part of the venue's future given the lengthy tenancy.
"[The 50-year lease] will see me out," he said.
"It's really nice that we have got something for the boys they can be part of establishing.
"I see it as an extension."
The building underwent $4.7 million of restoration, including significant underwater works and reinstating a large deck over the water, after the Newcastle Maritime Centre vacated the site.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said the venture would be "something really special that brings people into Honeysuckle".
Hope Estate and HCCDC will finalise plans for the project's fit-out and lodge a development application with City of Newcastle.