The government has released an additional £2.5 million for the Eden Project Morecambe, bringing the total financial support to £5 million so far.

This eco-visitor attraction, located near Morecambe Bay, was pledged £50 million through the previous government’s Levelling Up fund. With the first £2.5 million already in place, design teams have started their work on the project.

According to a Lancaster City Council representative, the newly allocated funds will enable essential work to progress on the design and delivery of the scheme.

Councillor Catherine Potter expressed optimism following the announcement, stating it should boost local confidence in the long-anticipated project. “This allows us to keep up the momentum and continue the critical steps needed to bring this attraction to life, benefiting our communities and local economy,” she said. Potter oversees the council’s portfolio on visitor economy, community wealth building, and culture.

Despite earlier concerns over potential financial shortfalls raised by Sir Keir Starmer, who pointed to gaps in public finances, Lancaster City Council previously reassured that there has been no indication the new government would retract its funding promise. The council anticipates formal approval of the project next month.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner voiced her support, stating she “wants to see it move forward.” However, when questioned by the BBC, she stopped short of guaranteeing the investment. The government has since pledged to clarify its funding decisions in due course.