Beyond Radio has spoken to local residents, organisations and businesses who are delighted that £50m has been awarded to build the Eden Project North in Morecambe.
The government cash was confirmed paving the way for the attraction to now be built, much to the delight of supporters of the long-awaited scheme, which has been described as a "game-changer" for Morecambe and the surrounding area.
We were out and about on Thursday in Morecambe near the Eden Project site, where we got some reaction to the big news.
Wes Johnson, principal of Lancaster and Morecambe College (pictured below)
Wes talked about the educational benefits of the Eden Project North and said: "All members of our community can benefit from the Eden effect."
Andy Lemm, general manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
Andy talked about the tourism value and "the potential Eden brings on that journey to becoming a real destination for people to come and stay".
Ruth Wilkinson, chair of Morecambe BID and owner of The Consult Centre on Marine Road Central
Ruth said it was "a once in a lifetime type of day" and the government backing for Eden gave the town an "endorsement, that big tick, that renewed confidence we didn't have yesterday."
Ruth is pictured below (left) with John O'Neill, Morecambe BID manager, Si Bellamy and Tim Narey from the Eden Project, and Professor Vanessa Toulmin from the Winter Gardens
Solly Reader, owner of Pleasureland, Soul Bowl, Jump Rush and Johnny's Warehouse Bar
Solly said: "Hopefully it should increase footfall and we've got a couple of other buildings at the side that we're hoping to develop."
Stuart Michaels (pictured below), founder of Morecambe Music Festival
Stuart talked about "smiles on faces, the optimism in the town is like nothing I've ever seen before" and the plans for the 6,000 capacity venue at Eden Project North.
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