Merivale is set to open the much anticipated mega-venue The Newport on Good Friday as a part of the official launch of the first phase of the iconic’s landmark redevelopment. The Newport promises to be a vibrant gathering place thanks to its remarkable location, which looks out over the vista of Pittwater estuary, and the diverse range of spaces to drink, dine and socialize.
Excited about this new development, CEO of Merivale Justin Hemmes said: “The Newport is at the heart of so many wonderful memories in the local community, so it is incredibly important for us to honour this as we create the new chapter in its history. With its sprawling grounds, magnificent landscaping and team of over 450 passionate locals, this is one of the biggest ventures we have ever undertaken. We are so excited and proud to finally open the first phase”.
Executive Chef Sebastien Lutaud will head The Newport, with his promising and extensive menu reflecting the coastal lifestyle of the Northern Beaches. Guests will not be short of options as they will be presented with a diverse range of food and drink experiences. From sizzling grass-fed beef and chicken burgers with soft potato buns from ‘The Burger Shack’ to fresh seafood, seasonal salads and exceptional Australian meats, there will be something for everyone. ‘The Juice Bar’ will also be blitzing up fresh juices and smoothies and ‘The Kiosk’ will be serving freshly-brewed coffee, pastries and donuts.
The Newport will also be home to sure fire crowd pleaser Vinnie’s Pizza, where Merivale’s Vincenzo Biondini will be whipping up authentic pizza in a wood-fired oven. A specially made “The Newport” app will allow guests to make orders and simply collect their pizzas when ready.
In terms of beverages, a wide selection of wine, beers and the ultimate Sydney drinks will be on offer. Tantalizing frozen cocktails such as the Yuzu (made famous at the pop-Asian hangout Ms.G’s), Strawberry Slushies, Pina Coladas< and Miami Vices will be on offer alongside the classics; all best enjoyed while the sun sets over the peninsula.
The Newport has created an exciting programme of free events and activities suitable for all ages. Over the Easter long weekend face painting, Easter egg hunts, bunny rabbits and a petting zoo will entertain the kids. Gold coin donations will go towards ‘Mums for Mums’, a local charity group which supports families of Newport, Bilgola Plateau and Avalon Public Schools through times of distress and illness. The Newport will also have a retro-inspired games area set up, so children and adults young at heart can enjoy a game of ping pong, badminton or scrabble via a giant magnetic scrabble board.
At the heart of the entertainment experience will be the live music of local talent showcased on an alfresco stage seven days a week. Names such as Rad Dan, Rob Somatik, Gangs of Brothers and Paper Parade will be performing during the opening weekend.
As a part of Merivale’s line up of free live music series, The Newport will also play host to Sunday Sundown. Melbourne’s nine-piece soul band Saskwatch will be the first featured act of the programme and will play on Easter Sunday, followed by indie duo Gypsy and the Cat on 3 April, Tasmanian singer songwriter Asta on 10 April and synth-pop trio Mansionair on 17th April.
The re-imagining of The Newport by a team including Kelvin Ho and Emilie Delalande of Akin Creative, stylist Amanda Talbot and Justin and Bettina Hemmes is inspired and there are more plans in the process. Due to the mass scale of the property, stages two and three of Merivale’s redevelopment are set to be revealed later in 2016.
You can see the full schedule of events HERE.
THE NEWPORT opens from 12pm on Friday 25th March || 2 Kalinya St, Newport, 2106 || www.merivale.com.au/thenewport
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