A northern English outpost of the Eden Project has moved a step closer to reality after councillors in Lancashire granted planning permission for the £125m eco-attraction.
Eden Project North, which would be built in giant, transparent domes on Morecambe’s promenade, is being presented to government as a “shovel-ready” initiative that could help boost the deprived seaside town.
Eden has asked for £70m in public money towards the £125m educational project, which it says will “reimagine the British seaside resort for the 21st century”. The investment would inject £200m a year into the north-west economy, it says.
An estimated 400 people would be directly employed at Eden Project North, which will combine a range of indoor and outdoor experiences all based on connecting people with Morecambe Bay and helping them to understand and protect the marine environment.
The attraction could open in 2024 if the government stumps up the necessary startup cash.
The latest milestone for the Morecambe project comes after years of development and extensive community consultation.
David Harland, the chief executive of Eden Project International, said: “The project is now definitively shovel-ready and a compelling financial case has been made to government. We are primed and ready to create this beacon to a green and sustainable future, be part of ‘levelling up’ and drive economic and social enhancements across the region.
“While we are incredibly proud of what we and our partners have achieved so far, we now need UK government support to quickly bring this to fruition and maintain momentum.”
Caroline Jackson, the leader of Lancaster city council, said: “Eden Project North promises to be the most significant project in our district for a generation. It will provide huge benefits to our economy through a commitment to local purchasing and creation of good local jobs, as well as shining a light on sustainable regeneration.
“The granting of planning permission is a major milestone in the project and all that remains now is for the government to show the same commitment and provide the necessary funding to make it a reality.”
David Morris, the local Conservative MP, said: “I have been meeting with ministers for quite some time now and we are in the advanced stages of securing a funding package to allow the project to start being built.
“Planning being granted gives this funding ask greater precedence and I look forward to being able to make a further announcement shortly on the work I have been doing with ministers behind the scenes.”
