Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, from what source the £2.5 million released for Eden Project North in July 2024 came; and whether the decision to release the funding was taken by the previous administration.

I can confirm that in November 2024 the department approved the Full Business Case for the £50 million of HM Government funding.

We are all keen to see the delivery impact of this investment as soon as possible. Funding will be released in line with delivery milestones.

The £2.5 million relates to the development phase funding to assist in detailed design and other activities that enable Lancaster City Council to progress delivery. This development funding decision was made in February 2024 and forms part of the approved grant for the project.

Lancaster City Council are currently progressing with the detailed design and cost assessment of the project. Key resources such as design teams and projects managers have been procured, and the project is progressing in line with key milestones. My officials continue to work closely with Lancaster City Council to support delivery.