Hundreds attend Eden Project Morecambe event

Hundreds of people attended an Eden Project event in Morecambe, where exhibitions, presentations and small workshops highlighted key themes proposed for the new venue.

The two-day gathering, known as Rhythm Makers, took place at Morecambe Winter Gardens.

Eden Project Morecambe has said the town and its people were central to discussions.

Organisers said they wanted people’s honest views and ideas – positive or negative.

Rachel Jardine, from Hest Bank, said she thought the project needed to include locals.

“The town has been a bit down for a long time, she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"I think the Eden Project really needs to focus on local people, especially those who are a bit harder to reach, such as young people and teenagers.

“I think most people feel positive about the Eden Project coming to Morecambe, but there are some negative feelings too, such as car parking and transport."

Karen Lee, from Heysham, said:“We have come here today to see the Eden Project’s ideas and see if they’d like to collaborate with Heysham in the national Britain in Bloom competition.

“We also have a project in Heysham called Haaf Net of Hope. It references the traditional technique of haff net fishing for salmon and trout in the River Lune with themes about protecting rivers and coasts from rubbish and pollution, and messages of hope in bottles – hope from the past, the present and future.”

Cary Matthews, a former Lancaster city councillor, added: “The Eden Project has already supported Heysham wildlife and community projects at different sites including Sunny Slopes and Kingsway, along with the city council.

"Eden provided seeds and musical entertainment for events, and helped people to scatter seeds.

"We hope to build upon that.”

Bill Holden, from Morecambe, who attended with his wife, Debra, said the event was "fantastic".

"Everybody has been waiting for this moment. To see the gears start to turn is quite inspiring," he said.

Si Bellamy, Eden Project’s chief transformation officer, said: “This is the first time we’ve held face-to-face conversations since the planning application was approved.

"We want feedback and to listen to what people say."

Once opened, Eden Project Morecambe is expected to create about 1,400 local jobs and attract almost a million visitors every year.

It will be a sister site to the original Eden Project, external, near St Austell, Cornwall.

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