TRIBUTES have been paid to the ‘dedicated’ and ‘enthusiastic’ Jurassica founder Michael Hanlon who died following a heart attack.

Those close to the science writer confirmed Mr Hanlon passed away suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 51.

Mr Hanlon, who grew up in Dorset and was attracted to fossil hunting at a young age, had a vision to build a multi-million pound subterranean geological park in the former Yeolands Quarry on Portland.

The Jurassica project, expected to be completed in 2021, is set to include a recreation of a Jurassic seashore labelled the Jurassic Cove, animatronic marine reptiles and uses of virtual technology.

Those behind the project hoped it would be able to attract thousands of visitors to the area and help generate millions of pounds for the local economy.

It is not yet known what effect this will have on the Jurassica project but supporters are keen to see its continuation.  Mr Hanlon leaves behind his son Zachary, his wife Elena, from whom he was separated, and his partner Alison.

In a statement, Tracey Brown, chairman of Jurassica's trustees, said: "He leaves too an incredible vision for how to bring to everyone the wonder of the Jurassic Coast and the lost world of Jurassica."

Sir David Attenborough, a patron for Jurassica, said: "Michael was a great visionary with a wonderful idea to bring the past to life, an idea without parallel.”

Among others, Mr Hanlon gained support for his idea from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, South Dorset MP Richard Drax, and organisations such as Dorset LEP.

Mr Drax said Mr Hanlon’s passing was very sad and shocking news.

He said: “This is extremely sad news for the project but most importantly for his family who my condolences go to.

“Clearly it will be a blow to the project but I hope the project has got sufficient resources to continue to see through its aim.

“He was a very young man who was sadly taken way before his time.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council backed the project, providing office space and a letter of support for the Heritage Lottery Fund application.

Cllr Ian Bruce, chairman of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's management committee, said: "I have met Mike on a couple of occasions and have been very impressed with the enormous enthusiasm and effort he has put into Jurassica.

"My thoughts are with his family and all the people who have been working with him."

Mayor of Portland, Cllr Rod Wild, said: "It's a shock. It's very sad. His vision was to enhance the island.

"He was very dedicated to the project. It's a very sad loss.”

Mr Hanlon regularly spoke at public events where local residents were informed of the Jurassica project's latest updates. He also commissioned a traffic survey to investigate concerns about site accessibility.

Portland historian Stuart Morris attended a number of Mr Hanlon’s presentations.

He said: “I feel so sad for somebody so young but also he was a real inspiration for the Jurassica project.

“To get high level support from Sir David Attenborough and people like that, he was really enthusiastic.

"He had a tremendous feeling for this area which was almost unmatched.

“I just hope the legacy of the project carries on.”

Mr Hanlon also spoke at a number of business events, including those hosted by Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Michelle Hind, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "I think he'll be a great loss. My best wishes and condolences go out to his family.

"We are very shocked and we just hope all the good work that he's done will continue."

The Jurassica project 

PLANS for the Jurassica project were first revealed in the Echo in November 2013.

Mr Hanlon envisaged the subterranean geological park would bring to life more than 200 million years of prehistory and tell the story of Deep Time.

An estimated cost was set at around £85 million and the project received backing from Sir Tim Smit and Sir David Attenborough.

In the past few years, Mr Hanlon and a small team have worked hard to source funding and approval from local authorities.

Last year an application was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Jurassica applied for a £500,000 grant which would have allowed it to continue to apply for £16 million of funding this year.

Despite recognising the project for its innovativeness and potential, the Fund awarded the money elsewhere. Whilst expressing his disappointment, Mr Hanlon said the project remained on course to open in 2021.

He also said he hoped the design and planning stage would be completed by the end of this year.