Eden Project North, which will reimagine Morecambe a seaside resort for the 21st century, has been granted planning permission by Lancaster City Council after a planning application was submitted in September 2021.
Securing funding for Eden Project North is now the team’s focus. Eden has submitted a business case to the government, asking for a £70m public investment in the £125m project.
“Planning permission is a huge milestone on our journey towards making Eden Project North an exemplar project for Morecambe, Lancashire and the North of England,” said David Harland, chief executive of Eden Project International.
“The project is now definitively shovel-ready and a compelling financial case has been made to government. We are primed and ready to create this beacon to a green and sustainable future, be part of Levelling Up and drive economic and social enhancements across the region.”
Due to open in 2024, Eden Project North would directly employ more than 400 people and inject £200m annually into the local economy. It is one of the key projects in Eden’s global expansion.
£125m development due to open in 2024
“While we are incredibly proud of what we and our partners have achieved so far, we now need UK government support to quickly bring this to fruition and maintain momentum,” Harland added.
“Eden Project North promises to be the most significant project in our district for a generation,” said Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council. “It will provide huge benefits to our economy through a commitment to local purchasing and creation of good local jobs, as well as shining a light on sustainable regeneration.”
Eden Project North will showcase sustainable design. Its shell-style domes will be made from timber and covered in a flexible transparent membrane with integrated solar cells. The buildings will be surrounded by outdoor gardens.
Situated on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex, Eden Project North will feature two restaurants with views across Morecambe Bay. Additionally, incentives will be offered to visitors who arrive via sustainable transport methods.
“The county council, Eden and partners are committed to delivering the project and it is really encouraging to reach this point,” said Phillippa Williamson, Lancashire County Council’s leader. “The local community are hugely welcoming of the project and their unwavering support in reaching this stage should not be underestimated.”
Images: Eden Project International
