A new visitor attraction based on the history of chocolate is being planned for Bristol, UK.

Chocolate Harbour is to include a multi-media exhibition, a "chocolate emporium", an in-house chocolaterie and teaching school as well as a restaurant.

The plans are the brainchild of entrepreneur and local event organiser Laurence Trackman, who describes himself as "a life-long devotee of the history and culture of chocolate".

To be located at the city's Bordeaux Quay, Trackman said the £2.5m centre will be funded entirely using private investment.

"We're planning to open in the summer of 2011 to coincide with the launch of the spectacular £25m M Shed museum of Bristol," Trackman said.

"We're working very closely with the City Council in all respects, who see this project as one more achievement in bringing diversity to the city's visitor attractions, and to the social life of its historic Harbourside.

"We're confident it's going to be a great success; this is the right proposition at the right time and the right place, bang in the centre of the city where eating chocolate began".

Check out our chocolate feature in the Q2 issue of Attractions Management by clicking here