THE future of the multi-million pound Jurassica project which could provide a major boost for Portland is hanging in the balance following the sudden death of founder Michael Hanlon.

Trustees are set to discuss if the attraction has a future following the loss of the man who had been driving it forward.

Mr Hanlon passed away earlier this month at the age of 51 after suffering a heart attack.

Jurassica, set to consist of a subterranean geological park in the former Yeolands Quarry on Portland, was expected to be completed in 2021.

Supporters say it would attract thousand of visitors to the area and provide a major boost to the local economy.

However its future is now in question.

Tracey Brown, chairman of the Jurassica board of trustees, said: “The loss of Michael’s visionary force is profound.

“As we have driven the project forward over the past two years, we have had our eyes fixed on the climb ahead.

“This past week, the strength of the hundreds of messages from all parties involved in Jurassica has turned our heads to just how far we’ve come.

“So in the coming weeks the trustees will discuss whether enough has been done in founding the project to take it to a new stage and, ultimately, to fulfilment.

“We need to take a reading on whether there is the collective determination, inside and outside the project, to see it through.”

Members of the local community have spoken up in favour of the project and their desire to see it completed.

Cllr Paul Kimber said: “Michael’s death is a sad, sad blow to an enormous amount of people looking at that initiative and all the great things it could commit to jobs and as a tourist attraction.

“I hope all the work and goodwill that has gone in is not going to be lost.

“I think the will of the people on the island clearly is behind it.”

Portland historian Stuart Morris said that it would be a “terrible thing” if the Jurassica project did not continue.

He said: “What it’s going to need is someone with the same enthusiasm to take up the mantle.

“Hopefully it will move forward because it is the sort of enterprise scheme that Portland and Dorset needs.”

The business network Wessex Entrepreneurs, which supports Jurassica ,said in a statement: “(Michael’s) drive, energy and commitment enthused everyone he met.

“We must see Jurassica built in his memory.”

Jurassica has attracted high-profile support, most notably from Sir David Attenborough, who is a patron for the project.

The cost of the project was set at around £85 million and numerous funding grants were sought, including from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Last year, an application for £500,000 of lottery funding was made, but the money was awarded elsewhere.