THE Eden Project could open a new visitor attraction in Dundee.
Its “global garden” in Cornwall has attracted more than 21 million visitors since it opened in 2001 and provided a major boost for the local economy. It is understood the organisation’s executive director, David Harland, has held a number of conversations with individuals in Dundee about bringing a new project to the City of Discovery, although talks remain at an early stage.
The Eden Project announced in 2017 the launch of Eden Project International to “drive the establishment of Edens around the world” and hopes to create new initiatives in cities such as Christchurch and Anglesea.
It is believed any project in Dundee would be fulfilled under an Eden Project International banner, with the company already working with partners in Derry, Northern Ireland, to turn a contested historic location along the banks of the River Foyle into an “internationally important visitor site with world-class built and natural heritage”.
Harland visited Tayside in June to present a lecture at Dundee University on the brand’s global expansion and how major visitor attractions can help change the perceptions of a city.
Professor Andrew Atherton, the university’s principal and vice chancellor, played a major role in delivering plans for the £85m Eden Project North in Morecambe when he was deputy vice-chancellor at Lancaster University.
Professor Atherton hailed Lancaster’s involvement as an official partner of the North project, which he described as a “game changer” for the local area. It is understood Camperdown is one of a number of areas mooted as a potential site for any future project, although no specific area has been confirmed by Eden Project or any other party involved.
Captain James Crawford, chairman of Friends of Camperdown House, said he did not believe it would be suitable.
“We have a beautiful 200-acre site and to start filling it full of things like that would completely spoil the whole area,” he said.
Eden Project did not respond to a request for comment.
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