New 'Eden Project North' to transform seaside resort into £125 million ecotourism hotspot

Virgin Radio

1 Feb 2022, 09:43

Locals in Morecambe are hoping to get a big boost with this latest development.

Lancaster City Council have approved plans for a North Eden Project, or ‘Eden Project North’, on the Morecambe Bay seafront, which will reportedly be worth around £125 million, according to The Times.

The charity behind it is hoping the new eco-site will bring millions of visitors and create around 400 jobs, and will reimagine Morecambe as ‘a seaside resort for the 21st Century.’

It’s the same group which successfully launched the Eden Project in Cornwall back in 2001, which saw the derelict China clay pit transformed into one of the biggest UK ecotourism attractions. 

To date, it’s welcomed more than 22 million visitors, generated £2.2bn to the regional economy and hosted a reception for G7 leaders last year. 

According to the plans, the new Eden Project North plans will involve three seafront shell-shaped pavilions, with a scheduled open date in 2024.

According to the BBC, the project has been in the works since 2018, and the charity hopes Eden Project North will ‘combine exhibits, performance, learning, play, immersive experiences, world class horticulture, live music, art, food, beverage and retail spaces.’

A spokesman for the project said: " [Eden Project North has ] far-reaching environmental, social and economic ambitions, but above all, it will be a day out that inspires a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world".

Lancashire County Councillor Phillippa Williamson previously told The Express of the plans: "These proposals would bring a boost to Morecambe and the surrounding area, as well as benefits further afield for Lancashire and the north west.

"We've been working with Eden for some time to understand their plans and how we can help make any journey for visitors to the site. Whether by car, bicycle or public transport - as easy and sustainable as possible.

"These are exciting times and we're proud to be directly involved in helping to make this happen."

Will you be making a visit?