Blame traded on Eden Project’s departure from Macquarie Point

Macquarie Point remains open to the potential of an Antarctic-themed Eden Project near Hobart’s waterfront, the development corporation’s chief says.

Visitors arrive at the Eden Project in St Austell, in the UK. Picture: Getty

MACQUARIE Point remains open to the potential of an Antarctic-themed Eden Project near Hobart’s waterfront, the development corporation’s chief Mary Massina says.

In yesterday’s Mercury it was reported the European-based environmental charity had foregone plans to develop a project at Macquarie Point and was instead intending to build its distinctive domed attractions in Victoria.

A spokesman for the Eden Project cited delays at Macquarie Point for the decision.

But Ms Massina deflected the blame and said the door remained open.

“Since I took on this position, we’ve been requesting a business case from Eden and to date it has not been forthcoming. The corporation continues to be actively engaged with discussions with Eden,” Ms Massina said.

“We continue to remain very interested in having Eden on site but we do need a business case.”

DELAYS SCUTTLE EDEN’S MAC POINT BID

Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief Mary Massina at Macquarie Point. Picture: ROB BLAKERS

Labor’s infrastructure spokesman David O’Byrne yesterday criticised the MPDC, saying that the Eden Project had foregone plans to develop in Hobart due to poor communication on the corporation’s behalf.

“We know the Macquarie Point Corporation went after the Eden Project to try and attract it to Tasmania, and now we find that they haven’t spoken to them for months and the Eden Project has gone somewhere else,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“We hear from the Mac Point executive officer that they haven’t put a business case. It’s Mac Point’s job to get investment and bring it to Tasmania.

“All we’re getting from Macquarie Point are pop-ups and inaction. This is the best-placed carpark in the state,” he said.