Eden Project to open new £100million attraction in the UK next year
A HUGE Eden Project attraction has finally confirmed a new opening date – and it will be the newest in 25 years.
Eden Project Morecambe will overlook Morecambe Bay in Lancaster, and will be the first new Eden Project since the one in Cornwall opened in 2001.
It has now confirmed it will open its first phase in early 2027, followed by a full opening in 2028.
It comes after the new attraction appointed contractor VINCI Building for the next stage of development and construction.
Overall, the North West-based Eden Project is set to cost £100million and the first phases, which will be 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens, will open early next year.
The public will be able to get a sneak peak at the free-to-enter Bring Me Sunshine Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, before it relocates to Morecambe permanently.
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By 2028, visitors will be able to explore two shell-inspired structures that will house “immersive ‘Realms’ exploring humanity’s relationship with the natural world”.
In the Realm of the Sun, visitors can expect “a bright, tropical landscape of the near future where humans have discovered how to heal and re-engage with the broken rhythms of the natural world around them”.
Details previously mentioned include hanging plants and mini gardens, a multi-sensory area, a cascading waterfall, a 20-metre Elder Tree sculpture and a ‘Town Square’.
The ‘Realm’ is also planned to adapt to both the hot and cold seasons.
Then inside the Realm of the Moon visitors can explore a darker space, with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.
Between the two realms, there is expected to be an area called Metronome, where visitors will purchase entry tickets.
There will be a 750-capacity Tidal Theatre, a 300-capacity restaurant and a shop at the attraction as well.
Once the attraction is open, visitors will be able to interact with different exhibits as well as participate in a number of workshops.
Eight concerts or events are also planned for the attraction each summer, aiming to attract around 6,000 people.
Eden Project Morecambe will bring around £80million to the local area as well as hundreds of jobs.
Changes to the project were announced back in February after both residents and councillors raised concerns over the impact it would have on some of the nearby landmarks such as the Midland Hotel and Winter Gardens venue.
From the updated plans, changes were also made to ensure there would be more outside areas with coastal plants, as well as links to animal and human life.
And to prevent flood damage to the attraction, there will be a sea defence area that will wrap around the site and feature raised walkways.
When plans were originally approved in 2022 the attraction was set to feature four domes and it was set to open in 2026 – though this has now been pushed back.
The attraction will sit on the site of the former Bubbles Leisure Complex.
John Pye, project director for Eden Project Morecambe, said: “VINCI Building’s appointment marks an exciting acceleration for Eden Project Morecambe.
“Their technical capability, deep roots in the North West and strong commitment to sustainability and social value make them a powerful partner as we move towards breaking ground later this year.
“This is a nationally significant project for Morecambe and for the region and this latest milestone brings us another step closer to realising that vision.”
Gary Hughes, regional director at VINCI Building, said: “Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex cultural and environmental projects and we are committed to placing local people, local businesses and local supply chains at the heart of delivery.”
This isn’t the only new Eden Project site set to open in the UK – there are also plans to open an Eden Project in Dundee.
The project was first announced back in 2020 and is set to cost £130million.
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