Eden Project’s new international arm tipped to visit Hobart as it prepares waterfront proposal

The Eden Project’s new international arm is expected in Hobart before the end of the year as it prepares a business case for its Macquarie Point proposal.

Macquarie Point CEO Mary Massina. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The Eden Project’s new international arm is expected in Hobart before the end of the year as it prepares a business case for its Macquarie Point proposal.

Eden Project International chief executive David Harland was in Melbourne earlier this month and spoke with Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) boss Mary Massina. The eco-tourism organisation’s founder Sir Tim Smit last month told British media an Antarctic-themed experience so realistic it could be “life-threatening” was in the final stages of being designed for Hobart.

It is part of an international push by the Cornwall-based Eden, with three attractions planned for China and others in New Zealand, the US and the Middle East.

Ms Massina said Mr Harland had reaffirmed the organisation’s interest in Macquarie Point and a visit was likely later in 2017.

“He is looking at finalising Eden Trust’s business case for Eden Hobart,” she said.

“It was a reaffirmation — still very interested in the site and continuing to have a discussion about how Eden Hobart will be within this site.”

Eden has released images of a $170 million centre for the Chinese city of Qingdao, where construction is expected to start this year.

Funding options for the Hobart proposal would be outlined in the business case, Ms Massina said.

“A finalisation and presentation of a business case will be no different from any other proponent wishing to have access to the site,” she said.

“We have to wait until such time as Eden Trust turns up with its proposal.”

The MPDC is close to finalising a planning submission it hopes will clear the way for development to begin at the Evans St end of the 9.3ha site.

Central to the submission will be an odour assessment of the nearby sewerage works produced with TasWater.

The corporation will argue for an attenuation zone to be reduced from 400m from the works to 200m for developments considered “non-sensitive”. Non-sensitive uses would rule out hotels and residential dwellings, but not necessarily offices, galleries and public spaces.

“Both TasWater and the corporation are comfortable at where the first lot of modelling has landed,” Ms Massina said.

“It’s now working through how that is fixed to allow significant development to occur on site.”

The first priority will be Mona’s proposed Truth and Reconciliation Art Park.