Eden Project Morecambe starting to take shape

Designs for Eden Project 2, based at Morecamble, have been released.

Grimshaw, the London studio behind the project which opened in Cornwall in 2001, has revealed its designs for the ecological resort on behalf of the Cornwall-based environmental charity.

It is hoped that the venue would attract between 500,000 and a million people every year.

Jolyon Brewis, partner at Grimshaw, said: “Morecambe Bay is a truly unique location of outstanding natural beauty, which in combination with Eden’s distinctive approach will make this a landmark destination of national and international significance.”

Plans for the Morecambe Bay scheme involve five curvaceous wedge-shaped pavilions crowning the seafront, which take the form of mussel shells, to reflect the region’s ecology.

Each mussel functions as a glasshouse, containing different marine environments that will introduce people to the “internationally significant” natural environment of Morecambe Bay.

Elsewhere the attraction will have lidos and gardens combined with a mixture of observatories and performance spaces, which will be used to promote well-being.

The complex is wrapped by walkways and plazas, which extend down from the pavilions to connect the land and sea.

“We aim to reimagine what a seaside destination can offer, with a world-class tourist attraction that is completely in tune with its natural surroundings” said Dave Harland, chief executive of Eden Project International.

Following a feasibility study, completed in September 2018, Eden Project North is now seeking funding.

It is hoped that the scheme can help the regeneration of the Morecambe area socially, economically and environmentally.

The project is being developed by Eden Project International Limited (EPIL), in partnership with the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Lancaster University, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council.

It is part of EPIL’s ambition to build Eden Projects around the world.

Eden in Morecambe, in common with every other EPIL project, will be designed to regenerate the area socially, economically and environmentally.

It will draw from Eden’s expertise in boosting an area of Cornwall which was suffering from a decline in traditional industries.

Eden in Cornwall has contributed £2bn to the local economy and welcomed more than 20 million visitors since it opened in 2001.

Si Bellamy, the head of EPIL, said: “With this project we want to re-imagine the seaside resort for the 21st century.

“Morecambe has a wonderful history of being a place where people come to relax and unwind, a place of wellbeing.

“We have taken great care within the feasibility to ensure that anything that we do enhances the bay and peoples’ understanding of it and the natural world.

“We aim to make a real difference, whether it’s a physical transformation or a socio-economic regeneration. This is a great opportunity to connect people with the bay, a place with unique scientific interest and natural features.”

Plans for the new scheme

Professor Andrew Atherton, deputy vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, said: “Lancaster University is excited about the prospect of creating an Eden North in Morecambe.

“Along with our partners in the local community and North West, we believe it can become a major attraction and resource that will attract visitors and users nationally and internationally.”

Clr Eileen Blamire, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Eden’s big and exciting and plans have the potential to be a real game-changer for Morecambe, for Lancashire and for the whole region, transforming the economy, raising prosperity and creating new jobs.

“This would be a really significant development complementing and boosting the council’s own regeneration plans to develop employment sites alongside the Bay Gateway and new support for local businesses. It’s clear that Morecambe is on the cusp of a renaissance.

“The city council backs these exciting plans 100%, and while it will be quite a journey to make the vision a reality, it will do all it can to support Eden and our shared vision of creating a world renowned attraction and educational facility and the substantial economic prospect it brings with it.”

It is hoped that funding could come from government and private cash. If the funding could be secured building work could start by 2019, with a potential 2022 opening date.