Eden Project Morecambe now 'quarter of original size' says councillor

The suggestion of downsizing along with questions about ‘private’ meetings related to the project, scrutiny and funding of the plan came at the latest full meeting of Lancaster City Council.

Conservative councillors quizzed Green Councillor Caroline Jackson, the council leader, about Eden following her regular written update.

She said Eden’s smaller size was the result of rising costs caused by past Conservative governments. And she rejected any suggestion of undue secrecy at the council.

The govermment has earmarked £50m towards the project’s costs while Eden bosses have to find another £50m privately.

Around £7.5 million has been released so far by the government for current work.

Various organisations are involved including the city council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University.

Ground testing work has begun at the Morecambe seafront site.

In her written report, Councillor Jackson stated: “Progress of the Eden Project was significantly furthered by the revised planning application being put in, as a result of the changes to the original plans. Eden Morecambe is continuing with the recruitment of staff for the Morecambe office and more work to develop the gardens that will be open to the public on the site.

“Also a fund-raising dinner was held in London to garner support from Lancastrians there, and Councillor Martin Bottoms attended to represent the council and community.”

In questions, Conservative Councillor Andrew Gardiner asked: “Why is the Eden plan now a quarter of the original plan? And what are the financial implications?”

Councillor Jackson replied: “The Daily Mail thinks its about 50 to 60% of the original plan. Costs have risen something like 40%. It has to remain a project that the government thinks will bring opportunities and extra jobs to Morecambe, and it has to remain in that budget ‘envelope’ of £100m.

"I’m sure Eden would like to raise that envelope but the government still thinks the opportunity exists to make a real contribution to Morecambe.

“The Eden plan still seems exciting, innovative and likely to have that wow-factor. That’s what we want. We want people to come to Morecambe and enjoy all the things it offers. We want to see new hotels and opportunities for existing hotels. Also we want the benefits to spill into Lancaster, with its heritage and attractions.”

Looking across to Conservative councillors and suggesting former Tory prime minister Liz Truss had sparked rising costs, Councillor Jackson added: “Yes, the Eden design is smaller than the original. But it had to respond to financial changes – not last year but, I think, linked to economic policies over there.”

Councillor Gardiner also asked: “It’s claimed by the government that the council has asked for £16m. When does the council expect to have this? And has Eden put in a penny that has not been from government sources?”

Caroline Jackson replied: “I don’t think this is a question for here but I can ask the monitoring officer. ”

Councillor Gardiner asked the question again and Councillor Jackson added: “We have not asked the government for £16million.”

The council’s chief executive, Mark Davies, said: “The position is as it has always been. The council has been offered £50m towards the project. Excellent progress has been made and we are in a good position. It would be more appropriate to ask Eden about it from a technical point of view.”