The first official work at the Eden Project Morecambe site has been taking place this week.
Contractors have been at the central Promenade site - earmarked for the new Eden visitor attraction - carrying out preliminary survey work since Monday.
An Eden Project spokesperson said: "Initial ground investigations are taking place on the Eden Project Morecambe site this week.
"The work involves making a number of small bore-holes to allow excavation of soil samples to take place.
"These samples will then be sent for analysis. The analysis of the samples will help inform further detailed design and the future construction phase."
The sight of the first 'spade in the ground' at the Eden site has caused great excitement with local people who have been walking past the land this week to take their own photos.
Our own images from Thursday morning show contractors from Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental Ltd and I.T Shaw Plant Hire and Civil Engineering at work on the site.
Dunelm is a Durham-based company that works with clients to help them understand the engineering and environmental conditions at their sites.
It was announced in January that the government had awarded £50m from its Levelling Up fund to the Eden Project Morecambe.
The Eden team intend to transform the derelict site on Morecambe’s seafront into a world class visitor attraction, educational and ecological facility, and concert venue, themed around the wonders of the Bay.
The Eden Project in Cornwall has had a transformative effect on tourism in the South West of England.
The Morecambe scheme will also kick-start regeneration more widely in our local area, creating jobs, supporting tourism and encouraging investment in the seaside town.
The government contribution of £50m forms half of the projected £100m cost of building the eco-attraction on the central Promenade, with the remainder of the funds coming from private and philanthropic sources.
Planning permission for the project was granted in January 2022 and landowners Lancaster City Council have transferred the site to Eden.
The proposed Eden Project North is earmarked for 4.8 hectares of land on the central promenade in Morecambe, near the Midland hotel.
The mixed-use complex will be housed in four shell-like domes and will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, themed around Morecambe Bay.
The facility is set to include plants, art and interactive exhibits, a concert area for live music events, three cafe/restaurants and a visitor centre.
The Eden site in Morecambe has been vacant since 2011 when The Dome venue was demolished.
Prior to that, the land was also home to the Bubbles swimming centre and previously, the outdoor Super Swimming Stadium.
Related Stories: Morecambe’s landmark Eden Project North will happen after £50m funding confirmed - Beyond Radio
Land agreement brings Eden Project North one step closer to reality. - Beyond Radio
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
Mayor of Lancaster launches children's Christmas card competition
Councillor loses her seat for not attending meetings for six months
