Eden Project Morecambe unveils 'one of its most significant elements' at £100m attraction

The Eden Project Morecambe has unveiled "one of its most significant elements" as building for the £100million attraction prepares to get underway.

A ceremony marking the commencement of building works at the Lancashire seaside town will take place on June 24, with organisers describing it as a historic occasion.

The attraction, which is set to open in 2028, will feature two main shell-shaped domes and landscaped areas, having been scaled back from the original four-dome plan due to escalating costs.

Andy Jasper, Eden's chief executive, said: "It will be like the 'clay pit moment' before construction started at Eden Project Cornwall, which we reflect on a lot."

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

He added: "History in the making."

A public event at Morecambe's Winter Gardens venue will follow at 4.30pm that day, with the project team and main contractor VINCI Building outlining the construction schedule and key phases ahead.

A £4.5million donation from charity lottery firm Omaze has secured The Elder Tree, which will serve as a central feature of the visitor experience.

The 20-metre immersive exhibit, described as among the project's most significant elements, will take guests from its roots through trunk hollows whilst showcasing memories of previous ecosystems.

Andy Jasper, Eden Project CEO, said: "The funding has specifically secured The Elder Tree which will sit at the heart of the experience for visitors."

He added: "More than a striking landmark, it will help tell the story of our changing relationship with the natural world and inspire people to imagine what an incredibly positive future could look like."

VINCI Building was appointed in April to serve as the primary construction contractor for the development on Morecambe's promenade.

Work will commence this summer with the installation of the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, which gained national recognition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show where it received a Silver-Gilt medal and the Environmental Innovation Award.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Al Carns issues veiled attack on Ed Miliband as he warns 'energy is security, not environment'
• Lisa Nandy handed GB News grilling on defence spending after pledge to cut own budget: 'Not enough!'
• Royal Marines seize Russian shadow fleet tanker in daring Channel raid

Thousands of plants from the Chelsea exhibition have been transported to the Lancashire site, where they will form part of the 1.5-acre community gardens set to open in spring 2027.

The gardens, which will be free to enter, will feature materials reflecting Morecambe Bay's heritage alongside a solar-powered, shell-shaped canopy incorporating local limestone that will shelter an outdoor classroom for horticulture, crafts and digital learning.

The development is being delivered through a partnership involving Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with financial backing from the UK Government.

The previous Government committed £50million in phases towards the Morecambe development, while Eden Project must raise a further £50million from donors and supporters.

Lancaster City Council leader Caroline Jackson said in April: "Eden Project Morecambe will bring pivotal opportunities for the future economy of Lancaster district, creating new jobs, supporting skills development and generating longterm prosperity."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter