The man behind Hobart’s proposed ‘Chocolate Experience’ project believes the future of tourism in the state would greatly benefit from the real-life Willy Wonka-like attraction.
Simon Currant has spent 15 years researching and collaborating with Cadbury to bring the idea, which includes the world’s tallest ‘glass and a half’ Chocolate Fountain, to life.
After officially unveiling the project on Sunday, Currant said it would “bring back to life” one of Tasmania’s most beloved attractions and “deliver the world’s ultimate chocolate experience” on the Cadbury Factory waterfront parklands.
“Cadbury is already a loved and valued contributor to the Tasmanian economy. The Chocolate Experience at Cadbury will elevate it even further and add a new experience element, ensuring its sustainability and vibrance into the future,” he said.
The experience will include a step back in time across the century of Cadbury’s history within an immersive 3D Time Tunnel, space to make personalised chocolates in the ‘build your own bar’ experience and a degustation dessert dining Chocolate Lounge.
The proposal also promises to include the “world’s largest chocolate emporium” and proposes to build themed electric ferries to get visitors to the factory via a new ferry terminal at Claremont.
“This is a uniquely Tasmanian story that embraces provenance, innovation and artisan chocolate production with the entire State sharing in the benefits,” Currant said.
Cadbury Claremont stands as the largest chocolate factory in the Southern Hemisphere, churning out over 65,000 tonnes and 200 million blocks of chocolate annually.
Currant said the project will beautify the Claremont waterfront, provide a new jetty terminal, public walkways into the parkland and extend the Hobart Foreshore cycleway to Claremont.
The $100 million Chocolate Experience at Cadbury “will be Tasmania’s most visited attraction”, with construction scheduled to begin next year and the first guests welcomed in 2026.
It is anticipated to inject an additional $120 million into the visitor economy annually and generate over 300 jobs during construction and more than 200 jobs upon completion.
Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania CEO Amy Hills has welcomed proposal, saying it will be a “game changer for the sector”.
“This will quickly become one of Tasmania’s biggest attraction for locals and visitors alike with over 450,000 people expected to visit every year,” she said.
“The whole experience will celebrate what makes Tasmania such an amazing place, making our produce, people and place the star attraction.”
“This will be a nationally significant attraction that will provide a massive boost to the entire sector and the entire state.”
