Residents will have a chance to find out more about exciting new plans for Portland’s version of the Eden Project.

As reported, the development brings together the visions of two world-class attraction projects that had been planned for Portland for some time – MEMO and Jurassica.

The attraction will form part of a wider vision for a global network of sites by Eden Project International, an off-shoot of the Eden Project in Cornwall.

In partnership with the Eden Project, it will transform and regenerate exhausted quarry and mine workings within the tunnels of Albion Stone’s Jordans Mine and accessed from Bower’s Quarry on Portland to create a subterranean visitor experience dedicated to biodiversity.

Ahead of a planning application being submitted, drop-in events are being held on Portland this weekend. Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit will be attending for part of the day on Saturday.

Visitors will be able to meet the team behind the project, hear the latest on progress and get involved in community consultation.

Deputy project director Alison Smith said: “This is a first opportunity for many people to meet the team that has come together from MEMO, Eden and Jurassica. We’re going to be talking about the vision for the project, opportunities for transport and access, jobs, education and training, and sustainability. Our community survey will be going live and we’re keen to capture as much as we can over the next few months.”

The drop-in sessions are being hosted by Atlantic Academy.

Principal Jonathan Heap said: “Portland is an incredible, warm and welcoming community and I can’t think of anywhere better to locate a world class attraction. The many opportunities for the local community, the economic development, as well as the visitors to the island are all very welcome.

“We have started working closely, in a long term partnership, with Jurassica/Eden developing some very exciting projects for the physical environment, as well as developing educational activities for students and parents. A world class facility, creating an exciting future.”

The sessions are at Atlantic Academy (Osprey Quay) in Lerret Road, Portland on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, both from 10am-3.30pm. There is also a drop-in session at St George’s Church on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7, both from 10am-3.30pm.

A further public exhibition will be held in November before the submission of the planning application. A community survey being carried out as part of the consultation will continue running for the rest of the year and forms can be completed and submitted at Island Community Action’s offices in Easton.