3D vision for ecoattraction unveiled

Howard Cook, who has been working on plans for a tourist attraction similar to the Eden Project in Cornwall for more than a year, said the new centre would become an ‘icon’ for the area.

The ambitious Ponderosa owner has built a 3D model of the project which will be called the Dewsbury Domes and is inviting people to go and catch a glimpse of what the scheme will look like, if the plans are given the thumbs up by Kirklees Council.

The domes will be built on the former Spen Valley Treatment Works which border Mr Cook’s land off Smithies Lane, situated in between Heckmondwike and Dewsbury Moor. The treatments works were made redundant when Yorkshire Water diverted waste water to a new £25m plant in Dewsbury.

Mr Cook said: “We’d like people to come and look at the model at Ponderosa and see our vision for the future. This is going to be an icon for the area - something we can all be proud of.” The scheme will incorporate the work the council’s Green Business Network and Able Kirklees have already started on the land at Ponderosa. This includes a fish farm, floating cafe and training resource centre for traditional agricultural practices.

“We are working closely with the Able 2 project and the probation service as we will be linking up with them to bring work into the area for young offenders,” added Mr Cook.

“We will also be offering work for soldiers returning from conflict. About 27 per cent of people in prison are from the armed forces because there is little for them to do when the come out. We want to help these people and offer rehabilitation.”

Mr Cook estimates that more than 100 jobs will be created when the scheme gets off the ground.

“There are lots of opportunities for people in the area, and these are very exciting times for us all,” he said.

“We’re also working on plans to open a new shop in Heckmondwike which will be like a hub for the project and link the town with Dewsbury. It will be an information centre where people can find out everything they need to know. We want to create a buzz and for people to ask questions.”