THE team behind Cornwall's Eden Project will aim to 're-imagine' the seaside resort of Morecambe for the 21st century with its proposed northern site.

The Westmorland Gazette exclusively revealed in April that there were plans in the pipeline to create an Eden Project for the North and now they have been given the go ahead.

Set to be built on the former Dome entertainment venue and Bubbles swimming pool in central Morecambe, the project has been hailed as a 'game changer' for the area.

It is understood the Morecambe project would cost around £100m to launch and funding is being sought.

Si Bellamy, the head of Eden Project International, said: “With this project we want to re-imagine the seaside resort for the 21st century.

"Morecambe has a wonderful history of being a place where people come to relax and unwind, a place of wellbeing. We have taken great care within the feasibility to ensure that anything that we do enhances the bay and peoples’ understanding of it and the natural world.

“We aim to make a real difference, whether it’s a physical transformation or a socio-economic regeneration. This is a great opportunity to connect people with the bay, a place with unique scientific interest and natural features.”

Cornwall's Eden Project consists of covered biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, Mediterranean landscapes, plants, outdoor gardens, the 'core' which is home to exhibitions, art and schools programmes and a stage for seasonal events and concerts.

Since the Eden Project, which cost £141m to build, opened in Cornwall in 2001, it has contributed £1.7b to the local economy and attracted more than 18 million visitors.

Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster University and Lancashire County Council have also been involved in investigating the feasibility of a project in Morecambe.

Professor Andrew Atherton, deputy-vice chancellor of Lancaster University, said the Eden North project could become a major attraction and resource that will attract visitors and users nationally and internationally.

"As a member of the local community, the university is confident that Eden North will bring regeneration and prosperity to Morecambe and its surrounds. This project is a game changer, and will have a hugely positive impact."