THE founder of the bold eco-tourism attraction Eden Project has received a warm welcome in Hobart, briefing State Cabinet and receiving a glowing endorsement from the Macquarie Point Corporation.

Eden Project is proposing an Antarctica-themed project with a Tasmanian character, with a philosophy similar to the successful project in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

The Macquarie Point Dev­elopment Corporation is tasked with optimising the economic benefit of the 8.6ha site near the Regatta grounds and Cenotaph.

MORE: ICE MAGIC PROMISE FOR EDEN IN HOBART

Sir Tim Smit said the project would be an interactive and exciting attraction that would make visitors think differently about the world.

“There will be a lot of science, there will be a lot of experimental stuff but ultimately what we are building is a scientific institution that rocks,” he said.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Elizabeth Jack said discussions had been open and positive ahead of further meetings planned with stakeholders in the next few days.

“Tim was able to paint a great picture of his vision of the global Eden brand and also for the Eden Hobart project,” she said.

MORE: HOBART COULD BECOME A NEW EDEN

Ms Jack said the Eden Hobart was a great chance for Macquarie Point to be a special development rather than a run-of-the-mill urban, retail, office, mixed-use style of development.

“We believe the Eden Trust is ideal for Hobart for many reasons given their focus on this part of the world and linking it with the Antarctic,” she said.

“They are running a project in China and the State Government has an interest in attracting the Chinese Antarctic program and there are other links.”

The project is at a pre-feasibility stage with more detail still to be added to fin­ancial models.

Discussions have been taking place for more than 12 months.

“It is not a done deal yet but we are certainly exploring it and we will do our best to get it across the line,” Ms Jack said.

She said the Eden Hobart project would complement the “MONA effect” which had given the state a massive tourism boost and enhanced Tasmanians’ view of themselves.

“We are confident that this will be commercially viable and will make a difference to the future of this state,” she said.

She said there was no request for government funding.

The Cornwall Eden Project opened in 2003 and features two biomes with plants from around the world.

Similar elements – such as an area for rock concerts – would remain central to the project in Tasmania.

This year Lionel Richie, Tom Jones, PJ Harvey, the Manic Street Preachers and Jess Glynne will perform at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

– with MATT SMITH