Eden Project Morecambe is making progress with the appointment of a project director and the start of work by an external design team.
John Pye is the first official employee of Eden Project Morecambe. He will be based in the town of Morecambe and will drive the project to completion.
Pye will work with a multi-disciplinary team overseeing construction, horticulture and the visitor experience, also considering Eden’s vision of public benefit and sustainability.
Pye joins the Eden Project with more than 20 years of experience delivering world-class projects. For the past nine years, he has been head of the Royal Horticultural Society’s estates in the north of England.
Andy Jasper, chief executive officer of the Eden Project, said the Eden team is “delighted to welcome John Pye to the Eden Project family at such an exciting time for Eden Project Morecambe, as we move into the delivery phase of this important project”.
“John’s huge relevant experience and intense energy and passion make him the perfect fit for this pivotal role,” Jasper said.
Design team starts work on new Eden
The external design team for Eden Project Morecambe is led by professional services firm WSP and Grimshaw Architects.
Pye will work with WSP and Grimshaw to oversee the next stage of development, Jasper said.
“Together, we believe their wealth of expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that Eden Project Morecambe becomes the best destination that it possibly can be,” he added.
Stephen Straughton, director at WSP in the UK and Ireland, said: “Working collaboratively as one team, we are committed to the success of such a transformative project focused on education, innovation, and the natural world.”
Eden Project Morecambe will be a “spectacular destination”, as well as a “celebration of the unique landscape of Morecambe Bay and a game changer for the region”, said Jolyon Brewis, partner at Grimshaw.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University and is due to open in 2028.
It will be situated on the central promenade of Morecambe on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex.
Images courtesy of Eden Project
