AN EDEN Project North could be 'very positive' for Cumbrian tourism but the local community must not be forgotten, a business leader has said.

Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce said that there would be 'challenges' that came along with the proposed Morecambe scheme and it needed to add 'cultural value' for residents.

"It is an opportunity as long as we can tap into it and we can sell on what we offer in the South Lakes to people going to the project," he said.

"The key I think is what else happens there. In Eden they have music events and other events and the local community gets something out of that.

"If we get all that right it can impact really well with the local business community because there's the stay over and local spend that comes from it. But we just need to make sure that that is delivered and it does not become an isolated project dropped in the middle of somewhere."

The Gazette revealed last week that there is a proposed Eden Project North in the pipeline, inspired by the multimillion pound project based in Cornwall.

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris has been working alongside Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry to secure funding for the proposal.

It is thought that the Eden Project North site would be on the former Dome entertainment venue and Bubbles swimming pool area in central Morecambe.

It is believed that the inside of the project would be landscaped to create examples of different environments and their plant life and there would be educational hands-on displays.

And with the proposed site situated close to the shore, the Gazette understands that an area of shoreline for a 'seashore biome' may be considered, creating a micro-seashore environment.

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism managing director said that the impact of Cornwall's Eden Project had been 'incredible'.

"An attraction of the quality, reputation and appeal of the Eden Project would be very welcome news for businesses in Morecambe Bay, Cumbria and the wider region," she said.

"It would complement the many other fantastic attractions on offer and provide yet another extremely compelling reason for visitors not just to come to the area, but to stay longer and explore our stunning natural, cultural and historic assets around the Bay, The Lake District and Cumbria as a whole.”

Susannah Bleakley, chief executive of the Morecambe Bay Partnership said that if the project went ahead then she thought people could expect something 'relevant to the Bay'.

"Eden Project International look to bring world-class regeneration that is locally focused and globally relevant," she said. "So we'd not expect a re-run of the Eden project in Cornwall but something very relevant and exciting, reconnecting people with nature, showcasing local nature and a place to learn, engage, explore and play."