Eden Project Morecambe opening 'edging towards 2027'

Eden Project Morecambe will feature large shell-shaped pavilions overlooking Morecambe Bay

The Eden Project in Morecambe is supported by the new Labour government and significant site investigation work is expected later this year, an update meeting has heard.

But the new government is pushing for "realism" in all parts of the project, and a final opening date could be "edging towards" 2027 or 2028, Eden bosses have said.

Previously, a low-key opening was hoped for in late 2026 with full public opening in 2027.

A first instalment of £2.5m in government money has been committed and contractors including architects and designers are being sought.

Si Bellamy said ground investigation work was expected to start in the autumn

Traffic, park-and-ride arrangements and Morecambe railway station's capacity are also being looked at.

These were the main points at the latest Eden Project community conversation meeting with various organisations including Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and the public.

It followed the general election with a change of government and Morecambe MPs, from Conservative David Morris to Labour's Lizzie Collinge.

Si Bellamy, Eden's chief transformation officer said: "Rachel Reeves, the new chancellor, visited Morecambe in the general election campaign and met Lizzie Collinge, who is now the new MP for Morecambe.

"We are currently dealing with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the full business case for Eden, which is about accessing public money.

"We hope to have that done by the early autumn."

He said significant ground investigation work was expected in the autumn.

Mr Bellamy said: "When the main construction work starts, we will know what that site really contains regarding soil, rocks and underground pipes.

"Everyone in Morecambe deserves to have a project which is not just delivered fast but is delivered in an exemplary way."

He added: "The new government is really encouraging lots of realism about the project and we are now looking at edging into 2027-28."

Mark Cassidy, from Lancaster City Council, said: "We are working closely with Eden and there are conditions to manage things like construction traffic, dust and the site compound."

Eden Project Morecambe is described as a "global garden" and will feature large shell-shaped pavilions overlooking Morecambe Bay, becoming a sister site to the original Eden Project, near St Austell, Cornwall.