Digging work has started at the site earmarked for the Eden Project in Morecambe, to get a better understanding of old underground structures including a former sea wall.
Eden Project bosses hailed the development as 'positive momentum', saying three weeks of investigation work this September will mitigate any risks, streamline planning and enhance final outcomes.
The Morecambe eco-attraction will be located on the central promenade, at the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex. Nearby are the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens and the 1930s Midland Hotel.
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A large part of the seafront site is reclaimed land that has been constructed in phases since 1935. Part of the new work will explore the depth of a buried sea wall, as well as other obstructions from former sites such as the Super Swimming Stadium and Bubbles leisure complex. The work is being done by Bury's LK Group.
It coincides with the first recruitment drive for the project, Eden bosses added. Appointing a project team is under-way, with vacancies currently for roles in project management, communications, administration, finance and fund-raising officer. Applications close next week.
The latest news follows the appointment of John Pye as the Morecambe project director, based in Morecambe. Eden's external design team includes WSP and Grimshaw and new images showing design ideas were released earlier this year.
Mr Pye was previously based at the RHS Bridgewater garden development in Salford, Greater Manchester. In June, he spoke at an Eden Project public event held at Morecambe Fooball Club abojut his role and plans.
Speaking this week, he said: "Today marks a fantastic moment on the road to delivering Eden Project Morecambe. I'm sure the local community will be as excited as we are to see physical activity beginning to take place. Site investigation works such as these are a normal and necessary step for a project of this scale. We look forward to progressing further with making Eden Project Morecambe a reality.
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"With these works under-way and our recruitment process putting more boots on the ground here, we are actively demonstrating the social and economic benefits this project will bring to the community of Morecambe and the surrounding areas – something that will develop even further in the coming months."
The Eden Project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University and is due to open in late 2028.
In addition to tourism and environmental activity, the Eden Project's development aims to boost local education and skills, including a school curriculum, apprenticeship training at Lancaster & Morecambe College, and university research. Arts and music events are also planned, including new performance space at Eden and work with existing local venues.
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