The MP for Morecambe has told a TV audience that he's "extremely confident" that a crunch funding decision will get the Eden Project North over the line.
David Morris MP was speaking to BBC North West Tonight about the upcoming bid for £50m of government cash to make the planned visitor attraction a reality on Morecambe Promenade.
Eden bosses will be applying for the money this summer from the government's Levelling Up fund.
They have said that if they get the funding, they expect to start work on building the Eden Project North in 2023.
Mr Morris, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said he hoped for an announcement within the next three-to-four months.
"Nothing's ever a done deal but I'm extremely confident that we're going to get the Eden Project coming to Morecambe," he told BBC1's early evening news programme, North West Tonight.
"(Prime Minister) Boris (Johnson) has said that the Government will look favourably on the application should the business case stack up.
"I don't disbelieve him on that. I've spoken to him many times about it privately and on the floor of the House of Commons.
"The Levelling Up Fund is money that's been put aside for the running of government itself. This particular project won't just be beneficial for the Morecambe area, it will be beneficial for the whole of the North West.
"It's becoming a reality, we just now need that £50million and Eden can unlock their private investment, and the bulldozers can go in.
"Everything concerns me, especially with the cost of living crisis and what's going on in Ukraine. I wish I had a crystal ball to look into the future.
"But this is literally on the horizon. Within the next two months, we should have some kind of an inkling of what's going to happen.
"If there's going to be an announcement, it's going to be within the next three to four months.
"I'm not as anxious as I have been in the past, but I do think we're in a very strong position.
"Given that we've been at the forefront of everyone's minds for at least five years now, we're more likely to get it than not."
The Eden Project North is a planned mixed-use complex on the central promenade, housed in four shell-like domes.
It 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 by Lancaster City Council on January 31.
Eden already runs a highly-successful natural world-themed attraction in Cornwall.
Related stories:
Prime Minister sends letter giving update on Eden Project North plans - Beyond Radio
Eden Project North update: Beyond Radio speaks to Eden's chief executive - Beyond Radio
BREAKING: Ambitious Eden Project North plans unanimously approved - Beyond Radio
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
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
