With the opening of a chocolate factory just weeks away, investors behind the multi-million-dollar Heritage Village are poised to add more attractions to the menu.

While the deal is not formally "inked", Graycliff executives have come to a "firm agreement" to bring an Androsia clothing factory to the development.  The traditional batik fabric, produced on Andros for decades, will be given a modern twist as part of Nassau's up-and-coming tourist attraction.

Phase one, including both the chocolate and androsia factories, represents a total investment of $20 million, according to Paolo Garzaroli, the president of Graycliff.

The entire project should cost at least $25 million, although by the time it's said and done, that number may easily rise.

"We're going to set up an auxiliary androsia factory in Heritage Village.  We'll renovate the building," he told Guardian Business.  "You'll be able to come in and make your own piece of clothing, and take it with you later that day."

The interactive element is reminiscent of the chocolate factory, Garzaroli explained, making Heritage Village a more interactive retail experience.

The androsia factory is slated to open by September, while the chocolate factory is just three weeks away, he added.  The equipment for the chocolate factory has arrived, the Graycliff executive said, and awaiting final government approvals and duty-free exemptions.

"The cruise ships are just waiting for us to open, and then they'll include it in their itineraries," he told Guardian Business.

Garzaroli said Heritage Village will hire up to 50 Bahamians between the two factories.

Phase one is intended to "test the waters" and bring some money into the project.  After that, more attractions should be added, including a soap and candle factory.  Graycliff plans to offer all-inclusive family packages that gets families into the various attractions for one price.  For tourists, access to the Graycliff lounge at the Lynden Pindling International Airport is also a possibility.

Heritage Village is intended to work independently of the downtown straw market, Guardian Business understands.  West Hill Street would be completely shut down to traffic, with the project spanning several buildings.

The Graycliff Hotel is intended to serve as the centerpiece of the development.  Renovations are planned following the opening of Heritage Village to improve amenities and boost room capacity.  Garzaroli said he has just invested $80,000 in updates to the Humidor Churrascaria restaurant, including a large pizza oven unlike anything else on the island.

A new beer garden is also being constructed, and the cigar factory has been completed.  The latter was moved off West Hill Street and into the hotel to accommodate the chocolate factory.

"During the day it (chocolate factory) will be set up for tourists as an interactive factory.  At night it is all production," Garzaroli explained. "There will be a gift shop.  The actual experience will not be looking through glass. That is not what we do.  What we do is an interactive show where you come in, we sanitize you, and you are able to enter the factory.  You'll learn about chocolate, and then at the end you'll get to make your own chocolates."

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