Construction is finally set to begin next month on the new £100 million Eden Project site on Morecambe’s promenade, with an ambitious target opening date of 2028. This significant development will bring two new shell-inspired superstructures to the Lancashire coastline, aiming to become a major visitor attraction focused on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, particularly marine environments.
Plans for Eden Project Morecambe were first announced in 2018, following the success of the original Eden Project in Cornwall, which has been a popular botanical garden since 2001. The Morecambe iteration faced initial funding challenges, leading to a revised design. The site will now feature one large biodome, rather than the four originally proposed, alongside an 18-metre-high central exhibit named 'The Elder Tree'. This sculpture was partly funded by £4.5 million raised through an Omaze prize draw in June.
The project will be housed within two distinct buildings, named the Realm of the Sun and the Realm of the Moon. The Realm of the Sun will be a bright, expansive space showcasing living landscapes and diverse plant life. In contrast, the Realm of the Moon will offer a darker, more immersive experience, featuring a “hyperreal” rockpool designed to emulate natural tides and seasonal changes, offering visitors a unique perspective on marine ecosystems.
Ahead of the full opening, the public will have early access to a 1.5-acre free-to-enter community garden. This garden is expected to be the first completed element of the development, welcoming visitors from spring 2027. The wider project is projected to attract more than half a million visitors annually and generate over 1,000 jobs across the regional economy, providing a substantial boost to Morecambe and the surrounding areas.
The £100 million cost of the project is significantly supported by public funds, with £50 million backed by UK government investment. Additional support has been secured from Lancaster City Council, Lancaster University, and Lancashire County Council. Councillor Caroline Jackson, Leader of Lancaster City Council, emphasised the sense of hope the project brings, highlighting its potential to create jobs, inspire young people, and inject new energy and investment into the district. She added that the Eden Project will provide crucial knowledge, passion, and entertainment at a time when understanding our environment and sustainable living is paramount.