Lancaster City Council has approved updated plans for the £100 million Eden Project Morecambe, a major regeneration project set to transform the seafront of the Lancashire seaside town. The attraction, long-awaited and often described as a neglected coastal destination, is expected to revitalize the area and draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Key Features of the Development
The revised proposals include three main areas: the Realm of the Sun, the Realm of the Moon, and a central space called Metronome. The Realm of the Sun will feature a tropical environment with lush planting, hanging gardens, a multi-sensory space, and an indoor waterfall. The Realm of the Moon offers a darker, coast-inspired atmosphere with a hyper-real rock pool displaying accelerated tidal movements.
Outdoor amenities include landscaped gardens, a 6,000-capacity events arena overlooking Morecambe Bay, and shops, cafés, and restaurants. A new addition is The Elder Tree, a £4.5 million immersive installation standing almost 20 metres tall, taking visitors on an interactive journey from roots to upper hollows.
Visitor Numbers and Timeline
Eden Project Morecambe is expected to attract around 585,000 visitors each year, with a capacity of up to 740,000 annually. The first phase is scheduled to open in 2027, with subsequent phases following. The updated plans simplify the original 2022 design, which included four large domes, now reduced to two.
Rising Popularity of Morecambe
According to Booking.com, Morecambe was the fastest-growing UK destination for domestic breaks in the month prior to the announcement. The Eden Project is seen as a catalyst for further tourism growth, building on the town's recent staycation surge.
