After months of campaigning, countless meetings in Westminster and close collaboration with Dorset Council, I am thrilled that this Labour Government is backing MEMO Portland (sometimes known as Eden Portland) with £20 million of investment.
For those who may not have heard, the exciting MEMO Portland proposals are inspired by the hugely successful Eden Project down in Cornwall. When built, MEMO Portland will be a world-class visitor attraction located underground on the island – celebrating our Jurassic Coast and creating a hub for environmental research and biodiversity awareness.
After all, where better to learn about biodiversity than deep underground where fossil records tell the story?
When up and running, I know that MEMO Portland, when up and running, will create well-paid jobs for local people, attract fresh investment to our part of the world, and boost hospitality businesses across the county. Crucially, MEMO Portland will attract new visitors to Dorset – helping create an all-year-round tourism economy. This means higher footfall for our pubs, restaurants, hotels, cafes and shops – all building on our incredible existing tourism offering across Dorset.
Taking a step back, I firmly believe that a vibrant arts and culture scene is key to rejuvenating our local economy – and MEMO Portland can be right at the heart of this rejuvenation. Now that we have secured record funding for MEMO Portland, I will continue to do everything I can to strengthen our arts and culture offer here in South Dorset.
And I cannot wait to see a new stonemasonry training centre established as part of MEMO Portland. The apprenticeships on offer will provide a unique opportunity for young people growing up locally.
This fresh funding is fantastic news for our part of the world. Now, the real work begins to deliver MEMO Portland at pace. I will continue supporting this landmark project every step of the way.
Lloyd Hatton
Labour MP for South Dorset
