The people behind Portland's planned 'Eden project' visitor attraction hope 2020 will be the year the scheme progresses.

They say it remains in the fundraising stages and there's still much work to be done – including applying for planning permission. That was a hurdle that was due to be cleared last year.

The proposed development would bring together the visions of two world-class attraction projects that had been planned for Portland for some time – MEMO and Jurassica.

It would form part of a wider vision for a global network of sites by Eden Project International, an off-shoot of Sir Tim Smit's Eden Project in Cornwall.

Based within former quarry and mine workings within the tunnels of Albion Stone's Jordans Mine, the vision is to create an extraordinary subterranean visitor experience dedicated to biodiversity.

The project failed to secure the funding it needed in 2018 however discussions have since been held with other potential sponsors.

A new statement from the Eden Project said: “We and our partners remain committed to making the Eden Portland vision a reality. We are currently working to raise funds for the project and hope to be able to update the community soon.

“Eden Portland has the potential to be a landmark project for the region, connecting people with the natural world and providing a world-class destination for the ideas and conversation that will shape the future of our planet.”

Sebastian Brooke, Project Director of Eden Portland added: “If all goes well, there will be some good news later this year.

“The Eden Project message is right - we are all working hard. We hope this year is our year.

“Our project is about biodiversity, taking what is happening now in the world against the backdrop of the Jurassic Coast.

“We haven’t submitted a planning application but we are someway into the planning process.

“There’s a moment when you have to put in a scope request – it means everyone has to say what they think, so highways, etc.

“There’s a lot of work still to be done.”

He added: “It’s entirely dependent on funding. If we get the funding we can have a planning application submitted within six months.”

Mr Brooke explained that the quarry and the inner workings of the mine need to be ‘fitted out’ which he said could be done ‘reasonably quick’.

“It’s an amazing place to do it, it offers so much around the subject of biodiversity in this moment in history,” he said.

The development is expected to bring 325,0000 visitors to the island each year and create 120 jobs for the local area.

Mr Brooke will be at Portland Heights Hotel on Tuesdays from 12pm to 6pm to talk with anyone who wants to learn more about the project.

A small exhibition has also been installed at the hotel.