Plans for Scotland's own Eden Project could be scrapped

The group behind the planned 360 Centre, on part of the former Cockenzie Power Station site, announced that it was "pausing to reflect", amid frustration over a lack of support from the local authority – an accusation that the council denies.

Initially proposed in 2017, the centre was envisioned as a major climate change research and education facility which would include a public lido, public art installations and a green ferry service.

It has been heralded as a transformative, community-led project that could place East Lothian at the forefront of climate innovation, while creating employment and leisure opportunities in the community.

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However, in a new statement, the 360 team said that the project "may have reached the end of the road".

The announcement said: "We have worked tirelessly over the past years to get ELC [East Lothian Council] on board. . . with very limited success.

"So, with our elected officials unwilling/unable/reluctant to engage, it seems that 360 may have reached the end of the road."

An artist's impression of designs for an outdoor lido at the Cockenzie site (Image: 360 Group/Supplied)

As landowner and custodian of the former power station site, the council is integral to the negotiations for the proposals to come to life.

The group plans to meet early this month to decide whether to continue pursuing the project or formally "wind up" the 360 Company.

In 2021, the council gave the group up to £30,000 to fund a study into the project's feasibility, with funding also provided by offshore windfarm companies Inch Cape and Seagreen, which plan to bring energy onshore at the site.

The findings described the project as “relevant” and potentially beneficial to the community, but warned that at an estimated £29.5 million cost could pose a financial challenge.

It would also need to be created in partnership with the council, the Scottish Government and the renewables industry.

The site had been pitched as an Eden Project of the north, and plans for large-scale sculptures of fisherwomen described as the “Scottish Statue of Liberty” were unveiled at a meeting in February, attended by Douglas Alexander MP and MSPs Paul McLennan and Martin Whitfield.

Political representatives attended a meeting held by the 360 group to showcase their proposal earlier this year (Image: NQ Staff / 360 Centre)

The news has sparked "disappointment" and frustration among the community.

Ben Morse, former chairperson of Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council, said: "The 360 Centre was an ambitious community-led project which appeared to meet many of the goals set for the former Cockenzie Power Station site by East Lothian Council themselves.

"The community council was fully supportive of the initiative and is disappointed to hear the recent news.

"For all the talk of a desire for partnership working from East Lothian Council, this has yet to be realised locally, particularly in relation to the former Cockenzie Power Station site, which has already seen a BESS imposed on the community in a thoroughly unsuitable greenfield location, a joint venture-led data centre announced without discussion of any potential community benefits, such as another community-led proposal for a Lothian heat network.

"The community remains committed to ensuring positive outcomes are delivered, but partnership working requires partners and it is disappointing to hear direct testimony that East Lothian Council does not appear to be willing to fulfil that role."

At the last meeting of Prestonpans Community Council, members expressed similar sadness and frustration at the local authority’s lack of enthusiasm for supporting the project.

Jane Park, committee member, said: “I was really sad when I read that, because that is exactly what we have been talking about.

"The centre is visionary, it’s tackling climate change, it’s got opportunities for young people, it’s got employment.

“It’s that ambition that we could have for Prestonpans and our beautiful area, it’s just hitting everything we and people talk about: time to celebrate our heritage but be innovative.

“I have children going into the world of work now and I just think what is there for them out there?

"I would love to say, live close by and stay here. We live in a beautiful area, I love living in Prestonpans but, for a young person looking around for opportunities, I can see why they think no, so getting that email really depressed me."

In response, the local authority rejected claims that it had failed to engage with the organisation.

A council spokesperson said: “We note the statement issued by the 360 Group and respectfully disagree with the assertion that there has been a lack of engagement.

"The group has been involved in discussions with officers, including site visits, at various points throughout the whole process of developing the Cockenzie Power Station site since it was acquired by East Lothian Council and we provided funding for their feasibility study.

"It remains our position that we will continue to engage with them going forward.”

Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP and Scottish Secretary, said: “I commend those involved in the 360 Centre concept for the work they have undertaken over the last few years.

"I understand that East Lothian Council provided funding for a feasibility study and that various discussions have taken place since that was conducted.

"As wider developments on the site move forward, I would encourage the steering group to continue to engage with council officials and local representatives on their proposals.”