Eden Project for China moves closer

The plan to create an Eden Project-style attraction in China emerged in 2011

The Eden Project is to sign a deal to create a £100m China Eden centre in what will be its first big building venture overseas.

The Cornwall-based charity is working with developer China Jinmao Holdings Limited on the project in Qingdao, on the east coast of China.

A contract is due to be signed in Beijing on Sunday.

Sir Tim Smit, who co-founded Eden in 2001, said the project could become as recognisable as the Sydney Opera House.

The plan to create an Eden Project-style attraction in China emerged in 2011.

Sir Tim Smit described it as a hugely exciting moment

The Eden Project, in which exotic plants are shown in an array of huge greenhouse-style biomes, was built in a former quarry near St Blazey. The China project is based on reclaimed and former industrial land.

"This project fits perfectly with Eden's key transformation and regeneration themes and brings life to a currently sterile and derelict site," said Sir Tim.

"It has the potential to become instantly recognisable worldwide. Think Sydney Opera House in its scale, creativity and instant recognition."

Sir Tim added: "We have been approached many times before to create Eden projects, but have always declined as we did not wish to copy Eden in Cornwall.

"This opportunity is exciting because our partners share our view that we should build a project that builds on 4,000 years of Chinese relations with the environment and Eden's fresh approach to education."

Eden employs more than 400 staff at the biomes. It has twice been voted the best UK leisure attraction by the public in the British Travel Awards.