THE Eden Project is in talks with national park chiefs to build an attraction on the South Downs.

Co-founder Sir Tim Smit brought tropical rainforests to Cornwall when he opened the attraction’s famous domes in 2001.

Now the businessman is in talks with Eastbourne Borough Council and the South Downs National Park Authority regarding a new project in Sussex.

“We have been inspired by the people we have met in Eastbourne and their desire to encourage a new vision of the future to take hold in this beautiful part of the world,” Sir Tim said.

“We are excited by the many opportunities here and look forward to helping them progress over the coming months.”

The Argus understands there are no current plans to build Eden Project-style domes in the Sussex countryside but nothing is being ruled out ahead of open discussions about what could be possible.

South Downs chief Trevor Beattie said it was an exciting opportunity.

“We know of the many benefits of connecting people with nature,” he said.

“While this vision is still very much in its infancy, we look forward to collaborating with partners to see what can be achieved.”

Meanwhile Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell said the town was the “ideal place” for the Eden Project to be involved. We have wonderful natural resources on both land and sea and such a partnership will add tremendously to our plans to protect and enhance our natural environment for generations to come,” she said.

“This is a very exciting prospect and I look forward to working with this world-class and internationally renowned environmental project.”

The Eden Project was introduced to Eastbourne when resident Conservative peer Lord Lucas invited officials to the town.

“I have seen the great work of The Eden Project and suggested they should spend a few days in Eastbourne,” he said.

“We toured the area and explored some of our beautiful downlands.

“They were excited by the possibilities of bringing some of their knowledge and expertise to the area.”

Talks will continue over the next year to “mould and shape ideas”, an Eastbourne Borough Council spokesman said.