‘A long wait with many naysayers – but the start of Eden Project Morecambe work is good news’

It’s a game-changing project that’s been years in the making, and on the streets of Morecambe, there’s no shortage of enthusiasm for the arrival of the £100m attraction.

A community conversation event will also take place at the Winter Gardens at 4.30pm, with contractors explaining the next steps.

The first phase of work will be on the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, which is due to open in spring 2027.

In addition, Eden is supporting some events this summer including the More Music festival and two town centre markets.

A second building phase will then focus on constructing two shell-shaped domes which will have attractions inside and are due to open in late 2028.

The design had to be reduced because of rising costs and other factors, but Eden bosses insist it will still ‘wow’ visitors and help regenerate Morecambe.

An Eden Project ‘coming soon’ hoarding has been been put up at the regeneration site, which was once home to the Bubbles leisure complex.

And Eden bosses recently announced a £4.5m donation towards a key attraction planned for inside one of the domes, The Elder Tree.

Overall, Eden is to raise £50m while the Government has promised another £50m in phases.

Sixth form students Robbie Moffatt and Solomon Tetchner were on the promenade this week.

Robbie said: “There’s been talk about the Eden Project for years but nothing seemed to happen. But now, things seems to be changing, which is good.

“I think the Eden Project will be good for Morecambe. Some people have been opposed to it but lots of others approve.

"But I also think other buildings in the town need to be restored or improved. If there was wider investment, I think the town has quite a lot of potential. Things need to be brought to a higher standard before Eden opens.”

Asked if young people were interested in Eden, he said: “I think the immersive experiences could be attractive to people my age – and all ages.

"I like hands-on experiences rather than just reading information on a museum wall. And I think Eden’s plan for coastal plants and sea themes could be good.”

Solomon said: “I agree that Eden will benefit Morecambe. It’s going to create quite a lot of jobs, which is important for local people and the economy. It’s good to see things moving forward with these activities next week and this summer.”

Anne and Mike Carragher were visiting from Liverpool.

Anne said: “I’ve seen news about the Eden Project over the past few years so it’s good that things are starting to happen on the ground.

“We’ve visited Eden in Cornwall which was brilliant. There was a lot going on, activities about plants and birds, and children love it. It’s a good place for schools and education projects. It gets children off their mobile phones. So children and families in the North should enjoy those types of activities when Eden opens here.”

Mike said: “We like Morecambe because the coast is more peaceful once you are north of Blackpool. The beach here is lovely. We’re thinking about buying a caravan.

"It’s good that the Eden work is finally due to start but Morecambe town centre needs investment too. Business need encouragement. Maybe some grants?”

Jane Corrie and Sally Hill are school teachers from Penrith.

Jane said: “I couldn’t be more supportive of the Eden Project coming here. I know this has been planned for a long time but I think it’ll be fantastic. It’s good that it’s investing in the north because there are so many attractions in the south.

“I work in a small village school. We take children to attractions in Cumbria like the Rheged heritage centre, South Lakes Animal Park and South Lakes Buddhist Centre. But it will be good to have Eden too.

“Also there is the Eden Morecambe Bay Curriculum for schools and colleges, which sounds really interesting. Teachers use lots of resources and ideas so I’ll be looking at that.”

The Morecambe Bay Curriculum has been developed by various organisations including Lancaster University.

Sally said: “Morecambe is one of the nearest sandy beaches for children in our part of Cumbria. It’s really important to take children to seaside places. Some don’t get many opportunities. And if the Eden gardens open next spring, we will definitely aim to visit them.”

Tony Vettesse runs the Old Pier Bookshop and has played a leading role in the business community.

He said: “It’s good news that the Eden building work is starting. I’ve never lost faith in believing it would be built. It’s a pity that it’s taken so long, which is nobody’s fault, and has been down to various factors.

“Yes, there are fewer domes than first planned. But the overall ‘footprint’ of the site remains the same. It’s also good that £4.5m has come forward for the Elder Tree feature.

“The world sometimes seems full of naysayers and misery guts. But the Eden Project will bring investment and jobs. Next week’s ground-breaking ceremony will highlight the changes and so will summer events, which are important for the town’s economy.”

Looking at a new Eden Project advertising hoarding were Sarah Chetah, Nigel Jennings and Jonathan Hammond. They were with a group from Cumbria, Devon and the south east of England staying in the Yorkshire Dales but visiting Morecambe.

Sally said: “We’ve had a look around Morecambe today, seen the Eric Morecambe statue and read about the campaign for a Thora Hird statue. But I think the Eden Project will bring loads of people here, based on what I’ve heard and seen with this big sign.”

Nigel said: “I’ll be really interested to see the Eden gardens when they open. And if Eden brings the same ethos to Morecambe as in Cornwall, it will be quite an attraction here. I know this has taken time but Eden should be good.”

Jonathan said: “I live near Carlisle but this is my first visit to Morecambe even though I’ve been meaning to come for a long time. I visit Lancaster but I’d definitely be coming back to Morecambe when Eden opens.”

Mary and Adrian Earnshaw live near Chorley.

Mary said: “I saw the news about the £4.5m funding for the Elder Tree, so things seem to be moving on. I also read about the plants coming to Morecambe from the Chelsea Flower Show. But they’d better get a move on – or the plants [in a local nursery] will be dead.”

She added: “I’ve visited Eden in Cornwall, which is amazing. We took our grandchildren there when they were younger. So I think this will be good for Morecambe, once it finally opens.”

Adrian said: “Morecambe used to be popular but went downhill over the years. However, it seems to be improving. It’s in a good location, near the Lake District, so the town should do well once Eden opens. The lakes get really busy so it’ll be good to have somewhere different to visit.”