Green light for Eden Morecambe

Eden Project Morecambe has reached a major milestone with planning approval granted for its evolved design.

The team behind the £100m project has heralded the decision, saying it marks the beginning of a ‘transformative year’ for the site overlooking Morecambe Bay, including the creation of 1.5 acres of interconnected community gardens.

Opening in early 2027, the free to enter gardens will form a welcoming gateway to the highly anticipated Eden Project Morecambe, opening in 2028.

In a statement announcing planning approval, Eden Project said: “The evolved design for Eden Project Morecambe, unveiled in June 2025, focuses on exceptional visitor experiences, deep ecological storytelling and a strengthened relationship with the Bay’s unique coastal environment.

“Inspired by the natural geometries, beauty and efficiency of seashells, the architecture will be instantly recognisable and will be an emblem of sustainability with a deep connection to place, respecting and complementing the highly valued heritage landmarks nearby.” 

Visitors will journey through a series of immersive ‘Realms’ within two shell-inspired superstructures, each exploring humanity’s evolving connection with the natural world.

‘The Realm of the Sun’ will form a bright, tropical landscape of the near future, where interactive exhibits, living structures, storytelling and workshops will help visitors reconnect with nature’s rhythms.

At its centre will stand ‘The Elder Tree’ - a striking 18 metre sculptural landmark guiding guests from its roots to the hollows of its trunk, revealing memories of ecosystems past.

‘The Realm of the Moon’ will offer a darker, more mysterious environment inspired by the extraordinary rhythms of Morecambe Bay. It will feature a hyper real rock pool where accelerated tides - acknowledging the bay’s status as having one of the largest tidal ranges in the world - along with shifting days and seasons, will shape an ever-changing world of discovery.

The extensive landscaped gardens will welcome visitors to the site ahead of the wider project opening. At their heart will sit a ‘dramatically expanded’, permanent version of the ‘Bring Me Sunshine Garden’ - Eden’s 25th anniversary showpiece at this May’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Designed by award winning duo Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis and co-created with young adults from Morecambe, the garden will showcase sustainable innovation.

It features materials rooted in Morecambe Bay’s heritage, including boundary panels made from mussel shells and terraces formed from cockle shell by-products. A solar powered, shell shaped limestone canopy will shelter an outdoor classroom blending hands-on horticulture, foraging, crafts and digital learning.

The relocation of the Chelsea garden to Morecambe will begin in late summer this year, ahead of the community gardens opening to the public in spring 2027. 

Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project, said: “Getting the green light to begin building is an incredibly exciting milestone - and a momentous one to be celebrating in our 25th anniversary year.

“Relationships have always been at the heart of our charity’s mission – our connections with nature, with people, with place and with the planet. The community gardens, the first phase of development, will embody this ethos from day one.”

John Pye, project director, Eden Project Morecambe, added: “With planning permission now secured and formal agreements currently being finalised, the project moves forward with confidence.

“This marks a hugely significant moment for Eden Project Morecambe and for the entire community that has travelled this journey with us. 

“Bringing the Chelsea ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ garden - a space shaped with local people - home to the Bay is the first step in transforming this remarkable site into a world class destination celebrating nature, wellbeing and the true spirit of Morecambe.”

Eden Project Morecambe is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation and deliver substantial economic, cultural and educational benefits for local people. Year-round visitor numbers are projected to significantly boost the regional economy, supporting businesses, cultural organisations and supply-chain partners across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Planning approval unlocks opportunities for employment, tourism and economic growth that will benefit residents for decades.”

And County Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for economic development and growth at County Hall, added: “This transformational project will bring significant economic and social benefits, not just to Morecambe but to Lancashire as a whole.”

Eden Project Morecambe will be situated on the central promenade of the resort, on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex with the Grade II listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours.

The project, which is due to fully open in 2028, is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University and is supported by UK government investment.