Spades in at Eden Project Morecambe
The LK Group is on site for initial ground investigation works, though there remains a lack of certainty about when a principal construction partner for the £125m project will be appointed.
When contacted by Place, the Eden Project team could not confirm that a contractor had been appointed, when that would happen, or indicate whether the process of finding a builder for the Morecambe scheme had begun.
Eden Project Morecambe insists the scheme will open by late 2028.
The commencement of site investigation works at the 11 acres on the town’s seafront marks a positive step forward for the delayed project, which has already missed its 2024 start deadline after receiving planning permission in 2022.
The scheme is the result of a collaboration between Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, and Lancaster University.
It has been hailed as a potential game-changing development for the town and its visitor economy, which could be boosted by some 760,000 additional visitors each year.
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In March this year, John Pye was appointed as project director to work with Ridge and Partners, WSP, and architect Grimshaw to bring forward the tourist attraction.
Pye is primarily known for his role in delivering the RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford.
At the time of his appointment, Andy Jasper, chief executive of Eden Project, stated that detailed designs were being fleshed out.
Tetra Tech, alongside WSP and 31Ten, was appointed to map out a regeneration and investment strategy for the seaside site in May
Eden Project Morecambe promises to connect people with nature and inspire positive action for the planet, while celebrating the unique environment of Morecambe Bay. Credit: Grimshaw
The following month, conceptual images of the completed project were released, revealing that it had been scaled down from its initial four-dome design, an indication of the viability challenges being grappled with behind the scenes.
Federico Mazzetti, technical director at WSP, said the start of site investigation works was a “key milestone”.
He added: “The data that will be provided by The LK Group will allow WSP to refine the design with confidence, helping to deliver a project that creates lasting value for the local community and environment.”
Waste of time..waste of money..Morecambe is a dump…dirty. scruffy and buildings on and around the promenade are a shambles…Morecambe is a poor area…and this will not help…..I thought this government was short if money….well they can’t be if they throwing money at this project….people need to remember about the farce in the local parkers ago…BLOBBY GATE…..scrap the idea…
By Nigel kitching
Come on, we all know it will never happen, who are they trying to fool? This town needs far more doing to it than these imitated extended promises.
By Festa.
That’s the spirit Nigel – something went wrong in the 90s so never try anything else, ever.
By BLS Bob
I have long suspected this will never happen. Morecambe seems to have pinned all its hopes on this project, and if delivered in its original planned format I think it would have helped to kick start the transformation. Unfortunately now it’s the shadow of what was proposed and it’s now a drag on regeneration.
By Dave
It’s a dump so don’t invest?!
Your comment makes no sense Nigel
By Think before typing
Whats the hold up Lancaster council again Morecambe was a fantastic place till they took over its a disgrase just like this government
By Keith mcguinness [email protected]
Onwards and upwards morecambe will be great once again .the Venice of the North.
By I'ver dream.
I want to see the Eden project work I get fed up of people dumming down Morecambe. If the Eden project doesn’t go a head I want to know where will the money go. It’s about time people of Morecambe give it a chance there are worst places to stay
By Tina
Ask yourself would any contractor want to take this project on after all the delays (at least 3 years) and very pertinent questions as to whether the private funding is in place to match the government grant of £50M ?
By Anonymous
You know, I think Morecambe was a very good venue for that Womad festival years ago. Maybe it should lean into that sort of thing, e.g. New age/alternative/music festivals – it has plenty of space for it. That and fully refurbishing the Winter Gardens & trying to get bigger shows there.
By HB
Move the Eden project to blackpool, makes far more sense with a site bang in the centre ready for development
By Tyson fury