Government minister welcomed to Lancashire during visit to Eden Project Morecambe

Esther McVey MP, Minister without Portfolio, visited the Eden Project Morecambe site yesterday (Monday 26 February), to find out more about the planned attraction.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, joined the visit along with representatives from other local partners organisations.

Speaking following the visit he said: "We're always pleased to welcome Government ministers to Lancashire, we can highlight the great work we're doing in partnership with other organisations to create jobs and bring growth to the county.

"Eden Project Morecambe is an exciting landmark project that will bring jobs and growth to Morecambe, as well as further afield in the county.

"And it is just one of many innovative and dynamic projects that the county council is working together with others to deliver.

"In fact Lancashire was awarded a total of £200m of Levelling Up funding which is allowing many other transformational projects like the Eden Project Morecambe to progress."

During the Minister’s visit, there was a discussion with representatives from the Eden Project team, along with representatives from project partners Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, as well as business and community leaders.

This was followed by a tour of the Eden Project Morecambe site, on the edge of Morecambe Bay.

Eden Project Morecambe will directly create 300 high-quality green jobs, with an additional 1,000 new jobs supported in the region.

In January 2023, Eden Project Morecambe was awarded £50m in the second round of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The bid, submitted on behalf of the project partners by Lancaster City Council, was chosen as a recipient of the largest investment possible under the fund, earmarked for large-scale cultural regeneration projects.

The county council was awarded £50 million from the government's Levelling Up Fund last year. The successful bid was designed to develop a range of complementary public transport, walking and cycling projects that will significantly improve travel opportunities for people across East Lancashire, making them safer and greener.

Extensive planning and engagement has been taking place to further develop these plans with local communities and other stakeholders. This has led to closer working partnerships with districts to develop joined up plans for Accessible Nelson, and masterplan visions for Burnley and Rawtenstall centres.

Aidy added: "I'm proud to say that the county's public and private sectors are working together more closely than ever. This is an exciting time for the county, and we are well-positioned to make the most of the county's growth potential to benefit both residents and businesses, making the most of all the opportunities that come our way."

You can view Eden Project Morecambe's news release about the visit here Government minister visits Eden Project Morecambe site for tour and meeting with partners | Eden Project

For more information on Eden Project Morecambe visit www.edenproject.com/morecambe.