Jurassica
Jurassica was a planned
Planned features
The £85–90 million project plans were unveiled in late 2013. Inspired by the
The idea of Jurassica first stemmed from science journalist Michael Hanlon, who grew up in Dorset and searched for fossils along the coast. The project has received both local and national support. Naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has become a patron, as well as trustee Sir Tim Smit, the creator of the Eden Project. The initial sketches of the site have been created by Renzo Piano (architect of The Shard in London), whilst the site's engineering is being led by the team responsible for the Eden Project and the refurbishment of Sydney Opera House. Hanlon has been quoted that the idea is "very big and ambitious", and that the site will "aim to be a spectacular world-class visitor attraction", as well as an "educational and heritage-focused charitable trust, acting as a hub for the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site."[4] Attenborough has stated "My own love of science began with fossils, and this period and area are so very, very important in history and for Britain itself. The area is one about which Britain can be very proud because it is the birthplace of paleontology. The pity has been that this area has lacked a single focus and this is what Jurassica could do."[1]
Funding is being sought from sources such as the UK
The construction time of the project is estimated to be three to five years and if funding can be secured, the project's trustees are currently aiming to open the attraction in 2019–20. The plans are to attract 700,000 visitors a year. Hanlon has suggested that the price for two adults and two children could cost up to £70.
See also
- Eden Project
- Jurassic
- Jurassic Park
- Portland Museum
- Portland Stone
References
- ^ a b c d e Keating, Fiona (22 December 2013). "Dinosaur Theme Park Jurassica Comes to Life in Dorset [video]". International Business Times. New York. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ "Portland Stone Ltd :: Skip hire, waste managemenet, stone supplier and recycling in Weymouth, Portland and Dorset". Portlandskips.co.uk. Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ "Yeolands Quarry and Durdle Pier, Portland, Dorset". Geoffkirby.co.uk. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ a b "Eden Project style plan unveiled for Portland". Dorset Echo. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ Brooks, Richard (22 December 2013). "Jurassic coast to welcome back dinosaurs". The Sunday Times. p. 5.
- ^ "Support grows for island answer to the Eden Project". Dorset Echo. 21 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ "Disappointment as Jurassica project misses out on lottery funding". Bournemouth Echo. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ Meikle, James (22 December 2013). "David Attenborough backs £85m Jurassic coast theme park | Science". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 December 2013.