Eden Project appoints director for slow-moving Morecambe attraction
John Pye has been drafted in to lead on the delivery of the potentially transformational project. But without a contractor on board and design work only just underway, it could be some time before the scheme begins on site.
Eden Project Morecambe is targeting a 2028 opening for the complex, which is being developed by Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University.
The Eden Project had been adamant that work would start on site in 2024 but that deadline came and went.
Place North West asked when a contractor for one of Lancashire’s largest ever projects would be appointed but did not hear back.
The planning application for the £125m scheme, which would turn an 11-acre seafront site into a family-friendly, eco-destination that showcases the relationships between animals, humans, plants and the environment, was approved in 2022.
It is anticipated that Eden Project International’s development could attract 760,000 additional visitors to Morecambe annually and act as a catalyst for the town’s wider regeneration.
Pye’s appointment is aimed at manoeuvring the project through the pre-construction phase, on to site, through to completion.
During a 20-year career Pye has delivered several major projects, including RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford.
He joins Eden Project Morecambe from RHS after spending the last nine years at RHS.
Pye’s other previous roles include a stint as director of capital projects at Blackpool and The Fylde College and acting head of project delivery at Lancaster University Estate Management.
Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project, said Pye’s “huge relevant experience and intense energy and passion make him the perfect fit for this pivotal role”.
Jasper also said work on detailed design is now underway, with WSP leading on this process alongside architect Grimshaw, which designed the Eden Project in Cornwall.
Stephen Straughton, director for structures North at WSP in the UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be working with John, Grimshaw and the Eden Project at such an exciting stage in the development of Eden Project Morecambe.
“Working collaboratively as one team, we are committed to the success of such a transformative project focused on education, innovation, and the natural world. At WSP, we strive to make a positive impact, and we are excited to leverage our longstanding relationships to ensure we deliver long term benefits for the community of Morecambe and the visitors the Project will serve.”
Jolyon Brewis, partner at Grimshaw, said: “Eden Project Morecambe will be a spectacular destination. Grimshaw is honoured to be helping once again to bring Eden Project’s vision to life: creating a place that will be a celebration of the unique landscape of Morecambe Bay and a game changer for the region.”
The project will be situated on the central promenade of Morecambe, on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex with the grade two-listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours.
The project is not being developed by the County Council, City Council, nor Lancaster University. It may be being enabled by said organisations but it’s definitely being developed by the Eden company themselves who will own and run it. Introducing and financing a £125M project like this into a challenging leisure / attraction market is going to take time. Have people memory holed Covid? That did happen. Better to get this right and if it takes time so what? Looks like an experienced appointment to get this across the line.
By Correction
When will the work actually begin? Local people are skeptical since the first deadline has passed already?
By Linda Raby
Money would be better spent on a new hospital
By Anonymous
have they or have they not got all the money they need? This is the question. I see that the often quoted 100 million pound price tag is now 125 million. As every month ticks by inflation is only sending the price up.
By Dave
RHS Bridgewater is certainly a big success. Let’s hope Mr Pye can get the Eden Project up and running. It will make a big difference to Morecambe.
By Steve
They seem to have been talking about this forever – is it really ever going to happen?
By Flamingo
This will turn Morecambe into the waterfront destination of the northwest, with Blackpool following closely behind
By Anonymous