Eden Project bosses confident of ‘big year’ for Morecambe in 2020

In response to a question from Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris in Parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the Eden Project in Morecambe is “very likely to happen”.

This follows comments from Chancellor Sajid Javid last year while on a visit to the town that the Eden Project would be “just the kind of thing that would be great for Morecambe”.

The £85m project aims to breathe new life into the former Bubbles swimming pool complex on Morecambe Promenade, with plans for the site that include “biomes” shaped like mussels and a focus on the marine environment.

Si Bellamy, from the Eden Project North team, addresses the audience at the launch of the Bay Tourism Association 2019 Visitor Guide at the Midland Hotel, Morecambe

There will also be reimagined lidos, gardens, a 4,000 capacity performance space, immersive experiences and observatories.

For more detail of the shape and focus of the project, see our report HERE

If all goes to plan, Eden Project North would open in 2022/23 and attract 2-3,000 people a day in peak times.

Speaking after today’s PMQ’s David Morris MP said: “I wanted to use the first PMQ’s of the Parliament to put Morecambe and our Eden Project on the top of the Prime Minister’s agenda.

“The Prime Minister has now committed to the project saying that thanks to the Chancellor Eden is very likely to happen.

“It is a fantastic position for us to be in ahead of the budget scheduled for 11th March, and I know the team at Eden are really pleased with the PM’s words today.”

Coun Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “The city council has been working closely with Eden to deliver the Eden North Project and welcomes this statement from the Government that it is very likely to help to fund this transformational project.

“Morecambe’s unique environment and location make it the ideal location for an Eden of the North. Cornwall has benefitted to the tune of more than £2billion since the Eden Project opened in 2001 - if we can replicate that success locally, which we believe we can, Eden North would not only help to transform the economy, raise prosperity and create new jobs in Morecambe but across the district and region.”

A spokesman for Eden Project North said: “We’re confident that 2020 will be a big year for Eden Project North and we hope to be able to update the community on further progress soon.

“We will be releasing the full results of our community consultation soon and we continue to work hard to secure funding for the project. We are aiming to submit a planning application later this year.”

Read our interview with Eden Project’s David Harland and Tim Smit HERE.