Plans for a $150 million chocolate-themed tourist attraction at Tasmania’s historic Cadbury factory site have been lodged with the Glenorchy City Council.
The development application for the ‘chocolate experience’ was submitted this week by Simon Currant and Associates, following years of planning.
If approved, the attraction is tipped to draw more than 550,000 visitors a year and inject around $120 million annually into Tasmania’s economy.
The proposal outlines a sprawling precinct built around chocolate-making and Cadbury’s century-long history in the state.
Highlights include ‘Chocolate Central’, a premium chocolate studio offering build-your-own-bar experiences and masterclass kitchens for creating Tasmanian-inspired flavours.
Visitors would also be taken on an immersive chocolate tour through themed zones such as a cacao forest, chocolate lab, factory control room and tasting kitchen.
The development features a chocolate lounge showcasing local producers, while earlier plans for what was to be the world’s largest chocolate fountain have been dropped.
Designed by Tasmanian architecture firm Cumulus Studio in partnership with creative company Art Processors, the attraction draws inspiration from the adjacent factory.
“The experience takes its cue from the adjacent Cadbury Factory, full of pipes, fast-paced machines conveyor belts, technology and generations of human endeavour,” developer Simon Currant said.
“It creates a hyperreal version of a chocolate factory. It invites visitors to discover the wonder of chocolate and Tasmania’s artisanal food culture in new and surprising ways.”
Art Processors’ Tony Holzner said the attraction would be “an active, sensory experience that brings the wonder of chocolate to life”.
Transport is also part of the plan, with ferry operator Navigators designing two new vessels to carry more than 80% of visitors to the site.
“As the operators of the MONA ferries there will be a great synergy between the two experiences,” Navigators’ John Roche said.
Cadbury’s parent company Mondelez International has signed on as brand partner.
Company president Toby Smith said Mondelez was “excited to be on board” given the “significant community benefits this project delivers”.
The development is 95% privately funded, with existing government support providing confidence for the project’s future.
The council will now assess the application. If approved, construction is expected to begin early next year, with doors opening in 2027.
The project is forecast to create more than 300 construction jobs and over 200 ongoing roles once operational.
