BBC Breakfast has visited Morecambe to shine a light on plans for the new Eden Project.
The TV cameras from BBC1's flagship early morning show were on the seafront for a special live report on Thursday morning to find out about the latest news on the new £100m attraction.
Reporter Ben Boulos was clearly impressed with the beautiful morning views across Morecambe Bay as he brought his report to millions of viewers live from the Promenade.
"It really does feel like paradise when you stand here on an April morning like this," he said, speaking from close to the Eric Morecambe Statue.
"I'll let you absorb the scenery and take in the gorgeous sunrise across Morecambe Bay this morning."
Breakfast show presenter Naga Munchetty, from the studio, also said that Morecambe "looks beautiful".
Ben spoke to Beyond Radio's Mark Prada, chair of Bay Tourism Association, as well as David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID (Business Improvement District) and Professor Hilary Ingham, Professor of Economics at Lancaster University, about the Eden Project.
David Waddington is pictured below speaking live to BBC Breakfast on Thursday
"I think it could make a really big difference," said Professor Ingham.
"It's a prime site overlooking the Bay. It's a huge great beach. It was a tourist resort and it is suffering quite hard times, so a big injection of capital which could bring people to this area, provide local jobs, those people will be spending money as well, it could be a real boost for the local economy."
Mark said: "It will be a fantastic investment for Morecambe.
"Eden coming to Morecambe is a massive step up for us.
"My family had a hotel in the 50s so I've seen Morecambe in its heyday, I've seen its decline and I've seen it come back to the top again.
"We've got great motorway networks and we're only two and a half hours from London, so it's easier to get to Morecambe from London, than Cornwall."
And David said: "I think it brings a whole array of opportunities for businesses in the town.
"We expect to see a huge increase in visitor numbers."
David was asked about the delays to work starting on the Eden facility, as the scheduled start date has been put back several times over the past few years.
"There's a level of frustration (with the delay) but with any of these projects we have to expect delays, but we have been assured that the project is definitely going to happen," he said.
"We are already a great visitor attraction. For the businesses that are already here, it's about being Eden ready. With the view behind us, why woud you not want to come to Morecambe?"
The Eden Project Morecambe is being earmarked for land on the central Promenade, on the site of the former Bubbles and Dome leisure complex (below, photo credit: BBC).
The £100m visitor attraction, themed around Morecambe Bay with three large domes, is scheduled to open in 2028, with work due to start in 2026.
Morecambe BID posted on Facebook afterwards: "A massive thanks to the BBC Breakfast team!
"We were thrilled to have the team here in Morecambe today, speaking with our very own BID chair, David Waddington, and Mark Prada, chair of Bay Tourism Association.
"Together, they gave an exciting glimpse into the future of the Eden Project Morecambe and what it means for our beautiful town.
"Yes, we know, some might grumble about the fact that 2028 feels like ages away. To those naysayers, we say this with a wink and a smile–Rome wasn’t built in a day!
"Good things come to those who wait, and this £100 million, eco-boosting, job-creating, shell-shaped wonder is worth every moment of patience.
"With nearly one million visitors expected each year, 1,400 local jobs, and a greener future for Morecambe, this project is a game-changer for our community. We couldn’t be prouder of what’s to come!
"Thank you again to the BBC Breakfast team for shining a spotlight on Morecambe, our people, and our vision for a brighter, sustainable future."
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