Details revealed of £85m Eden Project North
The first documents set to support the application for the £85m Eden Project North in Morecambe have been submitted to Lancaster City Council.
An environmental impact assessment scoping report is the first stage, ahead of the preparation of the full environmental impact assessment and planning application. Submitted by Eden Project International, the report includes more information on what is planned for the coastal attraction.
The scheme will combine indoor and outdoor experiences, themed around the natural environment of Morecambe Bay and referring to the town’s heritage as a seaside resort with re-imagined lidos, gardens, performance spaces, immersive experiences and observatories.
Eden estimates that Eden Project North will attract around 760,000 visitors per year, but will be designed to accommodate up to a million, with a daily capacity of 4,000 people. The plan is for tickets to be issued for specific times to ensure a smooth flow of visitors through the project.
The development would include a 4,000-capacity outdoor arena for live music and entertainment.
Buildings will have a maximum height of 37.3 metres, to be no taller than the nearby grade two star-listed Midland Hotel.
Eden plans to make the Morecambe development carbon neutral with a focus on visitors using public transport and park-and-ride schemes, and avoiding the use of fossil-fuelled vehicles where possible. Morecambe Promenade would also be pedestrianised.
Public and stakeholder consultations are planned for this summer and autumn, with the aim of submitting the environmental statement and planning application in spring next year. The project is due to open in spring 2023, following a two-year construction period.
David Harland, chief executive of Eden Project International, said: “This is an important milestone for Eden Project North. Having a positive impact on the internationally significant environment of Morecambe Bay is fundamental to our vision for this project. This report is the next step towards making Eden Project North a reality.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had from the local community and we look forward to working closely with everyone in the coming months and years as Eden Project North takes shape.”
EPIL is working with Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Lancaster University, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council to deliver Eden Project North. Each of these has contributed £250,000 towards the cost of designing and planning. This is in addition to £100,000 pledged by the Government. The architect is Grimshaw.
- Place North West Leisure Update takes place on 11 July in Manchester – booking available here
