Dunedin’s city council attempted to save the factory through a crowdfund initiative earlier this year, in an effort to retain its 320 employees, ConfectioneryNews previously reported. However, the organizer withdrew from the process about two months ago.
City councillor Jim O’Malley, who was part of the crowdfunding campaign, did not make any further comments.
Following the factory shutdown, Mondelēz said it has worked with tourism experts and community leaders, to “ensure the landmark site remains a lasting legacy for the Dunedin community.”
Development plan
New Zealand country head at Mondelēz, James Kane, said, “The NZ $7m investment will create an entirely new tourism experience in the historic Castle Street Old Dairy which is being refurbished to provide a new home for Cadbury World.”
The future Cadbury World will feature “a magic elevator, sensory chocolate experience, historic displays, and public open space,” Mondelēz said.
Doubling full-time jobs
“We hope to double the number of full-time equivalent roles from about 25 to 50,” Kane said.
“Visitor numbers are expected to go from 110,000 to over 180,000 per year, ensuring it remains one of Dunedin’s most popular tourist attractions and a popular meeting place for the local community,” he added.
In addition to the permanent roles in Cadbury World, the construction phase will employ approximately seven full-time workers, and up to 30 on-site contractors during the peak fit-out period, according to Mondelēz.
“Approximately 75% of the project budget will be invested with local suppliers with the project to be completed by late 2018,” the company said.