Following the announcement that the former Cadbury World site is to be taken over by a new Dunedin Hospital, the decision whether or not to keep the attraction and accompanying café open is now in the hands of employees.
Immediately following the announcement on Friday, Mondelez International Australia, New Zealand and Japan area vice-president Amanda Banfield said that the café would remain open – however, the café remains closed while the company undergoes consultation with employees.
“It would be inappropriate for our team members to have to continue in these roles given the closure announcement,” said site manager Judith Mair. “They've done an amazing job as the face of Cadbury World during a difficult 12 months and are the reason the attraction has been so successful.”
“Some stakeholders questioned the viability of Cadbury World in the absence of the factory. However, we felt it was worth investing in the redevelopment due to the significance of place and the important role of history in the redeveloped attraction and we've invested $2 million in the redevelopment to date. “Without this history, it just becomes a chocolate shop and café.”
All employees are currently on paid leave.
