Eden bosses 'feeling positive' ahead of £50m government funding bid for Morecambe project

Eden boss Dave Harland said during an online public meeting today, Friday, that work was ongoing behind the scenes to apply for cultural bid funding of £50m through the government's Levelling Up scheme. This must be submitted by July 4.

"There's a huge amount of work going on at the moment in the background to put a bid together," he said.

"We need to cross every 'T' and dot every 'I' so there's no excuse for this not to become a reality for Morecambe."

Work is also taking place on the design of the site, which will be on Morecambe promenade near the Midland Hotel.

"It feels pretty good," Dave added. "There's just a whole heap of work to do but I hope we are getting the idea across that we are feeling positive about it."

The Eden Project North was given planning permission in January.

Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created with the new seafront venue, which is linked to the Eden Project in Cornwall but will be distinctly focused on Morecambe Bay.

It will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, themed around Morecambe Bay, and will include plants, art and interactive exhibits, a concert arena for live music events, three cafe/restaurants and a visitor centre.

The new attraAction will have three main areas and should be able to hold up to 4,000 visitors a day. It is expected to attract an average of 750,000 customers each year.

The Eden team are keen to work with local hospitality and entertainment leaders to ensure visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a full experience of all that the area has to offer.

"Arts and entertainment are how we bring the place to life," Dave said. "Our experience in Cornwall is quite important on this because while we are going to create something stunningly beautiful, what happens around the site and in Morecambe is also important.