Cadbury attraction receives $7m boost

Food giant Mondelez International has confirmed it will redevelop Dunedin’s Cadbury World, which is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The historic Castle St dairy site will undergo a $7 million refurbishment to house Cadbury World.

Under the plan, full-time equivalent jobs were expected to double in number from 25 to 50, while visitor numbers were expected to increase from 110,000 to 180,000 a year.

James Kane, of Mondelez, said the investment would ensure Cadbury World ‘‘remains one of Dunedin’s most popular tourist attractions and a popular meeting place for the local community’’.

Mondelez announced earlier this year it would stop manufacturing Cadbury products in Dunedin in March 2018, with the loss of 350 jobs.

Kane said following that decision the company has been working with tourism experts, a special taskforce and community leaders, to progress designs that ‘‘will ensure the landmark site remains a lasting legacy for the Dunedin community’’.

‘‘We thought long and hard about what would be appropriate in 2018 following the closure of the Dunedin factory, and sought feedback from the local team and community stakeholders,’’ Kane said.

‘‘We believe a calendar of events associated with Cadbury World is the best way to continue to engage the local community, attract visitors from outside Dunedin, and raise funds for our community partners.’’

The proposal for the redeveloped Cadbury World includes a magic elevator, a sensory chocolate experience, historic displays, and public open space.

Mondelez was also committed to retaining many of the events that currently form part of the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival.

That may include the annual Cadbury Jaffa Race, which was held on Sunday.

The factory has been mooted as a possible future site for the redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital.