Eden Project receives seven-figure funding to advance plans

The government has pledged as much as £2.5m to aid Eden Project Morecambe in securing the services of external contractors to further develop its designs.

The funds are part of the £50m investment committed to the project by the government, which will cover half of the total £100m construction costs. 

Now the design team, who will be procured through the North West Construction Hub, will further develop the design and will undertake the next major design phase as part of continued project delivery.

Coun Catherine Potter, Lancaster City Council cabinet member with responsibility for the visitor economy, community wealth building and culture, said: “We’re all eager to see ‘spades in the ground’ and there has been an awful lot of work taking place behind the scenes to ensure the project progresses as swiftly as possible. Securing this funding is another significant milestone and brings the vision of Eden Project Morecambe one step closer.”

Si Bellamy, the Eden Project’s chief transformation officer said: "This is a crucial step on the road to making Eden Project Morecambe a reality. The release of this investment from the government will enable us to undertake the work needed to ensure that Eden Project Morecambe design is maturing at pace and prepares the way for a site activation."

Eden Project Morecambe will be a landmark attraction for the North West which will continue the Eden Project’s mission of connecting people to the natural world, celebrating the unique environment of Morecambe Bay. The content of the project is being developed by the Eden Project’s Experience Development team, formerly known as Eden Project International.

Eden Project Morecambe will be situated on the central promenade of Morecambe, on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex with the Grade II listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours. The project has been designed in a way which is sensitive and complementary to these important buildings and sightlines across the Bay.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University.