Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a $150 million revitalization project that would transform the historic Cadbury Chocolate Factory site in Claremont, Hobart, into a world-class chocolate experience destination. The proposed development would convert the factory's waterfront parklands into what organizers describe as a global benchmark attraction celebrating chocolate on an unprecedented scale.
Tourism entrepreneur Simon Currant and Associates is spearheading the vision, which aims to combine wonder, indulgence, and Tasmania's rich heritage into what they call "a celebration of chocolate on a scale never before seen." The project has attracted high-profile collaborators, including Art Processors, an experience design company founded by David Walsh, the creator of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), and Tasmanian architecture firm Cumulus Studio, which is shaping the creative direction of the ambitious undertaking.
The design concept draws inspiration directly from the adjacent Cadbury Factory, reimagining its industrial elements like pipes, machines, and conveyor belts into what designers describe as a "hyperreal chocolate world." At the heart of the development will be a factory-like chocolate central space, surrounded by specialized areas including a masterclass space, chocolate emporium, and chocolate lounge. Visitors will be able to embark on an immersive chocolate tour designed to celebrate Tasmania's past, present, and future while bringing Cadbury's century-long Tasmanian heritage to life.
The comprehensive tour experience will feature multiple themed spaces, including a cacao forest, chocolate laboratory, taste kitchen, factory control space, and a build-your-own chocolate bar station, among other hands-on, experience-oriented areas. Tony Holzner, founding principal of Art Processors, emphasized that the project is "built on curiosity, invention and joy and an active sensorial experience that brings the wonder of chocolate to life, inspiring discovery and connection through generosity and hands-on fun for all ages."
Peter Walker, director at Cumulus Studio, described the architectural vision in equally enthusiastic terms, calling the design "an architectural embodiment of chocolate itself – rich, layered and unforgettable." Walker added, "It is a place where magic is not just seen, but felt, tasted and experienced in every detail." The attraction is projected to welcome 550,000 visitors annually, which organizers estimate would contribute approximately $120 million to Tasmania's visitor economy each year.
The financing structure for the project relies heavily on private investment, with 95 percent of the funding intended to come from private investors. The remaining support will come from government backing, which organizers say will provide confidence for the project's future success. Beyond the chocolate experience itself, the development will include a comprehensive redevelopment of the Claremont waterfront, featuring landscaped walkways and a new ferry terminal to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.
According to reports in The Mercury, development plans have been formally submitted to the Glenorchy City Council for approval. Currant expressed optimism about the timeline, stating he hopes a decision on the project will be reached by the end of January, with construction potentially beginning next year. "Cadbury's story runs deep in Tasmania, and by pairing that heritage with the best local produce, we will create a destination that locals are proud of and visitors will love," Currant commented. If approved and construction proceeds as planned, the chocolate experience center is scheduled to open its doors to the public in 2027.
