{"id":35285,"date":"2025-10-08T05:54:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=35285"},"modified":"2025-10-08T05:54:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:54:20","slug":"next-chapter-dawns-bright-for-lambton-park-cafe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2025\/10\/08\/next-chapter-dawns-bright-for-lambton-park-cafe\/","title":{"rendered":"Next chapter dawns bright for Lambton Park cafe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Construction is underway to transform a locally significant building in one of the city\u2019s most popular parks into a vibrant, accessible caf\u00e9 at the heart of Lambton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally built in the 1940s as a Baby Health Centre and later converted into tea rooms in 2017, the site will be redesigned into a welcoming dining destination named First Light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"Image: From L-R: State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, Cr Mark Brooker, Cr Siobhan Isherwood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke, and cafe operator Angelo Luczak celebrate that construction is underway to transform the former Baby Health Centre in Lambton into a vibrant new cafe.  <\/em>Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke said the project reflects City of Newcastle\u2019s commitment to public spaces that foster connection and belonging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis project is a tangible example of how we\u2019re revitalising community assets into inclusive infrastructure that enriches everyday social life,\u201d Mr Clarke said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLambton Park is already a cherished community destination, and by transforming this notable building into an accessible caf\u00e9, we\u2019re creating a space that welcomes everyone, from young families to older residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIts location near the library and playground makes it a natural hub for social interaction, wellbeing and connection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"An artists impression of Lambton Park Cafe frontThe new upgrades will include open-plan dining, a commercial kitchen and a front pergola for additional seating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accessible amenities and a ramp to the new rear deck, which overlooks Lambton Park\u2019s playground area, will ensure the caf\u00e9 is a welcoming destination for all members of the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upgrades are supported by $1 million from the NSW Government through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the project’s progress was a welcome milestone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m very pleased to see the next stage of this project progressing as Council engages its chosen operators to commence the works on the Lambton Caf\u00e9 project,\u201d Ms Hornery said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to seeing the works complete so that our community can benefit from this caf\u00e9, partially funded via $1 million from the NSW Government\u2019s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"An artists impression of Lambton Park Cafe rearThe redevelopment also marks a new chapter for three accomplished names in Newcastle\u2019s hospitality scene, who are joining forces to bring First Light to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mister Sister Manager Angelo Luczak, Luke Marshall, Director of The Kiosk Newcastle, and Corey Park-Pearson, owner and chef at Parks Bistro and Catering, each bring a wealth of regional and national experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Luczak said the team shares a vision to bring a fresh dining experience to Lambton and create a space that feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe idea of teaming up has been floating around for years, we\u2019ve always shared a deep respect for each other\u2019s craft and passion for hospitality, and this project is the perfect time to bring that dream to life,\u201d Mr Luczak said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith strong ties to the local hospitality scene and a diverse network of friends, collaborators, and customers, we see First Light becoming more than just a caf\u00e9. Our vision is to be a go-to meeting spot for locals, coffee lovers and foodies from across Newcastle and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re proud to work with local farmers, coffee roasters and suppliers to build a seasonal menu that celebrates quality and workmanship. Everything we do is grounded in community, connection, and a genuine love for good coffee, food and company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to contributing to the vibrant and valuable hospitality culture that makes Newcastle such a remarkable place to live and dine.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The caf\u00e9 is expected to open early 2026<\/a><\/a><\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Construction is underway to transform a locally significant building in one of the city\u2019s most popular parks into a vibrant, accessible caf\u00e9 at the heart of Lambton.  Originally built in the 1940s as a Baby Health Centre and later converted into tea rooms in 2017, the site will be redesigned into a welcoming dining destination … Continue reading “Next chapter dawns bright for Lambton Park cafe”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-aussie"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35285"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35285\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35286,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35285\/revisions\/35286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}