The government is now accepting bids for round 2 of its Levelling Up fund after a delay - which is good news for the planned Eden Project North in Morecambe.
The online portal allowing UK communities to bid for funding opened on July 15 and will close on August 2, says the government's website.
A crucial £50m bid for cash to make the Eden Project North happen in Morecambe was due to go in to the Department for Levelling Up on July 6.
But applications were not being taken at the time.
Now the Morecambe bid can go in, and if it is successful, work could start on the proposed new eco-attraction on the Promenade either later this year or early 2023.
A spokesperson for the Eden Project said at the time: "As previously announced, Lancaster City Council will be submitting a bid for £50m of public investment in Eden Project North to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
"This bid will be submitted once the online portal opens."
WHAT IS THE EDEN PROJECT NORTH?
The planned Eden Project North could pull £1m visitors annually to Morecambe, according to estimates.
The eco-attraction on Morecambe Promenade will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, themed around Morecambe Bay, and will include plants, art and interactive exhibits, a concert area for live music events, three cafe/restaurants and a visitor centre.
The scheme was given planning permission in January.
Private and philanthropic funding is in place for the project, which Eden is planning in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster University and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.
The Eden Project eco-visitor attraction in Cornwall has transformed the region's economy since opening in 2000.
WHAT IS LEVELLING UP?
The government said its £4.8bn Levelling Up strategy aims to "ensure all parts of the country share equally in the nation’s success".
It will pay for "investing in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centre and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets".
The first round of Levelling Up bids took place last year. The Eden Project application will go in as part of the second round of bids, with other submissions from around the UK.
Related Story: Waiting game for £50m Eden Project North bid amid government website delay - Beyond Radio
PHOTOS: Giant spade goes in ground at Eden Project Morecambe as August start date revealed
New drumming festival to be held in Morecambe
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
