Eden founder, Tim Smit, said the number of visitors to the attraction was rising.

BBC: How much is the Eden Project worth to the economy?

In the south of Cornwall Tim Smit, another entrepreneur, has become a local hero.

ECONOMIST: They want to emulate the boom in the rest of the south-west

Both Tim Smit and Rick Stein are immigrants who have made their fortunes here.

ECONOMIST: Letters

Tim Smit, head of the Cornwall attraction, said building on the China project could start in 18 months' time.

BBC: China plans to build Eden Project

However, the project's chief executive, Tim Smit, has said he hopes the new development will not bring in more visitors but enhance their experience.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Cornwall | Eden's ?12m education plans