$150m Cadbury Tourism Precinct for Tasmania
Plans for a $150 million chocolate experience beside the Cadbury Chocolate Factory near Hobart have been formally submitted, marking a major step toward transforming a key stretch of the Claremont waterfront.
The proposal by Simon Currant and Associates aims to deliver a large scale tourism precinct that would activate underused parklands and strengthen Tasmania’s visitor economy.
GALLERY
The development application, lodged this week with Glenorchy Council, outlines a 6000 square metre attraction on Cadbury Road, about seven kilometres from Hobart CBD. The scheme was first announced last year and has now advanced following a planning scheme amendment approved by Council in February. Founder Simon Currant said the amendment cleared the pathway for lodgement, along with progress on resolving land ownership issues related to a small Crown land portion of the site.
The proposed precinct includes a build your own chocolate bar experience, a cafe, a cacao forest, a playground and a chocolate lounge restaurant and emporium. The broader masterplan also features landscaped waterways, new public spaces and a ferry terminal that would connect the attraction to Hobart’s waterfront. Two purpose built ferries are expected to service the route, with projections that about 80 per cent of visitors will arrive by water.
The project is forecast to welcome 550,000 visitors each year and deliver 200 ongoing jobs, along with more than 300 roles through the construction phase. Funding is expected to be 95 per cent private, supplemented by state support. While Mondelēz International is not directly financing the build, the company is leasing the site and brand licence. Mondelēz president for Japan, Australia and New Zealand Toby Smith said the company was optimistic about the plan and viewed the proposal as a significant opportunity for the region.
Cumulus Studio has been engaged as lead architect, working with Art Processors to shape the creative direction. The two Tasmanian firms bring experience in cultural and tourism environments, most notably through their ongoing work associated with David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art. Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in 2026 and the centre could open the following year.
Images via The Urban Developer
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