PREVIEW

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BY MARK WORGAN

Hundreds of people gathered in Morecambe on Wednesday to mark breaking ground on the town getting its own version of Cornwall’s Eden Project.

Construction on the Eden Project Morecambe will properly begin in August, having been granted planning permission in February 2026.

Installed as part of the project will be a garden created to honour local comedy legend Eric Morecambe, which won accolades at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Aerial photographs taken during the event showed large crowds gathered on the seafront, highlighting support for the development, which supporters say will help transform the town.
Guests included Amanda Parker, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Dave Collinge, High Sheriff of Lancashire, Lizzi Collinge MP and Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit.

Those attending heard updates on the next stages of the project, including confirmation that groundwork will begin in August on a 1.5-acre community garden, which will be free to enter and is expected to open in spring 2027.

Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project charity, said: "This was a momentous occasion – ceremoniously putting the giant spade in the ground, with so many hundreds of people to witness this incredibly powerful moment before construction begins which means so much.

"As the charity Eden Project marks its 25th anniversary this year, we've been reflecting on those early days in Cornwall when people stood together on a former clay pit in 2001, at the very beginning of something that would go on to become a world-renowned charity and visitor destination. That project has since welcomed 25 million visitors and pulled in £6.8 billion to Cornwall and the South West region, and it all began with a moment just like this.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "Seeing so many people come together for this historic event really brought home what this project means to our community.

"Eden Project Morecambe brings a wonderful sense of hope to the town: it is the opportunity to create jobs, to inspire young people and bring new energy and investment into the district. At this time when we need to understand our environment and how to live sustainably, Eden brings us both knowledge, passion and entertainment. We're incredibly proud to be part of making it happen and look forward to seeing this important next chapter in Morecambe's story unfold."

Councillor Stephen Atkinson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "Today's celebration shows the level of support there is for Eden Project Morecambe and the excitement around what it will bring to the town and a catalyst for regeneration and prosperity.

"This project will have a lasting impact not only in Morecambe but across Lancashire, creating jobs, attracting visitors and supporting economic growth for years to come and it is encouraging to see the project reaching this stage at a time when Morecambe and Lancashire are preparing to welcome the Tour de France next year. Both will bring new attention to the area and highlight the scale of ambition we have for the future. I look forward to seeing work begin on site and to watching the project take shape."

The full project is on track to open in winter 2028.

Plans include shell-inspired structures on Morecambe's seafront, housing immersive attractions exploring humanity's relationship with the natural world.

Project leaders say the completed attraction is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and support more than 1,000 jobs through construction and the wider regional economy.

The development is being delivered by the Eden Project charity in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, and Lancaster University, with support from UK Government funding.