Whispers of something new at Stockton Ferry Wharf

A new ‘container kiosk’ is set to open near the Stockton Ferry Wharf by Christmas, with onsite works beginning this week.

As agreed earlier this year, City of Newcastle will lease the container to Lexie’s on the Beach owner Nick Sovechles for the first 12 months, who plans to call the kiosk ‘Whispers on the Wharf’.

Initially, it was going to be a temporary home for the popular Stockton café, which vacated its beachside location following an erosion event earlier in the year. Lexie’s has since reopened at the beach in addition to taking on the lease of the container.

City of Newcastle’s Director Infrastructure & Property Ken Liddell said the wharf will be an ideal location for the new business, with Stockton’s Ferry servicing around 50,000 passengers per month and the nearby Active Hub attracting thousands each week.

“It has been pleasing to see our staff work towards getting this container on site and operational as soon as possible. It’s a great location and will service commuters, playground visitors and park-runners,” he said.

Mr Sovechles said the new location will provide a different offering, which will help foster resilience in the community, stimulate the local economy, and promote Stockton as a unique place to live and visit.

"We want the menu to reflect the breezy feel of the wharf and we will be catering to early morning commuters, users of the Stockton cycleway, and families enjoying the new park facilities and Active Hub.

“We are very mindful of complementing and not competing with existing Stockton businesses. We’ll have ice creams, milkshakes, gourmet toasted sandwiches, picnic packs and of course the same delicious coffee you have come to expect from Lexie’s.”

During this initial 12-month lease, CN will complete its Community Land Plan of Management, which will help determine the long-term plans for the kiosk. It is anticipated that the container will be installed in the coming weeks before Whispers on the Wharf opens in time for Christmas.