Omaze-ing: Eden Project Morecambe secures £4.5m donation
A prize draw for a house in Cornwall has fully funded the centrepiece of the future Lancashire eco-tourist attraction, which is lined up to open winter 2028.
The Elder Tree at Eden Project Morecambe will be the highlight of the Realm of the Sun portion of the double-domed venue.
Standing 20 metres tall, the £4.5m Elder Tree will feature large roots that guests can walk under and around. Around its roots and its hollow trunk will be information regarding how ecosystems were in the past compared to how they exist today – providing a time to reflect on humanity’s impact on the planet.
Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project, thanked the Omaze team and all those who bought entries for supporting Eden Project Morecambe in the latest grand prize draw.
“Every entry has helped bring us one step closer to the transformation happening in Morecambe, making Eden Project Morecambe a reality,” Jasper said.
“The funding has specifically secured The Elder Tree – which will sit at the heart of the experience for visitors. More than a striking landmark, it will help tell the story of our changing relationship with the natural world and inspire people to imagine what an incredibly positive future could look like.”
Omaze founder and chief executive Matt Pohlson added: “Not only did our lucky winner Darren win the spectacular house in Cornwall, but he was also part of the Omaze Community that raised the transformational £4.5 million for Eden Project Morecambe, fully funding The Elder Tree, the centrepiece of this extraordinary new destination.
“Everyone at Omaze is incredibly proud to have partnered with Eden Project to help inspire generations to reconnect with the natural world while creating jobs and opportunity across the North West.”
Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, and Lancaster University are working alongside Eden Project on the attraction. National government has contributed £50m towards its creation.
Work has already started on transforming the 11-acre former Bubbles Leisure Complex and Superdome into Eden Project Morecambe. Around 1.5-acres of community gardens are due to open next spring – these will include the Bring Me Sunshine Garden that was displayed at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Main contractor VINCI is lined up to complete the main attraction by the end of 2028.
When finished, Eden Project Morecambe will comprise of the Realm of the Sun, the Realm of the Moon, and the Metronome filled with plants and exhibits that immerse visitors in a tropical landscape and a tidal rock pool. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the attraction will boast 91,500 sq ft of built space, including a café and shop.
Eden Project estimates that the attraction ill bring in more than 500,000 visitors each year.
Its pioneer attraction in Cornwall has brought in more than 25m since it opened in 2001, contributing £6.8bn to the regional economy, according to the organisation.
The project team for Eden Project Morecambe includes TEP, LK Group, Ridge and Partners, and WSP. You can view its planning application by searching reference 25/01118/VCN on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.
