Eden Project Morecambe appoints main contractor
Eden Project Morecambe, a new world‑class destination and cultural landmark overlooking Morecambe Bay, has taken a major leap forward with the appointment of VINCI Building as main contractor for the next stage of design development and construction.
The announcement adds significant momentum to what is set to be a transformative year for the highly anticipated new Eden Project in the North West. It follows the granting of planning approval last month and keeps the scheme firmly on track for opening the first phase – 1.5 acres of vibrant, interconnected landscaped gardens – in early 2027, ahead of fully opening in 2028.
VINCI Building delivers multi-million-pound regeneration schemes that unlock long-term social and economic value, supported by extensive experience in delivering complex, large-scale projects. With strong technical capability across constrained, live and challenging environments, the business brings engineering expertise, rigorous planning and collaborative delivery maintaining programme, quality and safety.
The company was appointed through a competitive tender process using the North West Construction Hub’s High Value Framework – an ethical, transparent and efficient public‑sector route to market – as the most commercially advantageous bidder, demonstrating a detailed understanding of the project’s design vision, sustainability ambitions and operational demands.
John Pye, project director for Eden Project Morecambe, said: “VINCI Building’s appointment marks an exciting acceleration for Eden Project Morecambe. Their technical capability, deep roots in the North West and strong commitment to sustainability and social value make them a powerful partner as we move towards breaking ground later this year. This is a nationally significant project for Morecambe and for the region and this latest milestone brings us another step closer to realising that vision.”
Gary Hughes, regional director at VINCI Building, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as main contractor for Eden Project Morecambe – a landmark scheme with the potential to transform the town, the wider region and the national awareness and perception of Morecambe Bay. Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex cultural and environmental projects and we are committed to placing local people, local businesses and local supply chains at the heart of delivery. We very much look forward to working collaboratively to realise this inspiring project.”
The project will create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation, drive year‑round tourism, support local businesses and cultural partners, and deliver long‑term economic, educational and wellbeing benefits across Lancashire and Cumbria. VINCI’s build programme alone is projected to deliver local benefit to the value of £80m, including new jobs, apprenticeships, local supply‑chain spend and community investment.
Opening in 2028, Eden Project Morecambe will celebrate the beauty, ecology and heritage of Morecambe Bay through two striking, shell‑inspired superstructures housing immersive “Realms” exploring humanity’s relationship with the natural world. From the bright, biodiverse Realm of the Sun to the darker, tidal theatre inside the Realm of the Moon, the attraction’s dramatic design draws on the rhythms, geometry and stories of the Bay.
This new Eden Project for the UK will share the Eden Project charity mission – to reconnect people with nature and support community, education and nature‑recovery programmes. The charity’s work is being celebrated this year through the 25th‑anniversary of the Eden Project in Cornwall, which has generated £6.8 billion in total economic impact to the South West since opening in 2001.
Alongside the main visitor experience on the seafront of Morecambe Bay, 1.5 acres of vibrant, free‑to‑enter community gardens will open in early 2027. The Bring Me Sunshine Garden will be exhibited at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show before permanently relocating to Morecambe, creating a welcoming gateway and offering local people a new green space to gather, learn and reconnect with nature.
Commenting on the appointment, Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “I welcome the appointment of VINCI with their focus on environment and sustainability, as another major milestone for Eden Project Morecambe. This project will bring pivotal opportunities for the future economy of Lancaster district, creating new jobs, supporting skills development and generating long‑term prosperity. Today’s announcement shows the real progress made since the government funding announcement in 2023: through collective commitment we are bringing forward an attraction with profound benefits for our communities and the wider region.”
Eden Project Morecambe is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University and is supported by UK Government investment. The project will fully open in 2028 and has been designed to complement and celebrate the heritage of the promenade, including its iconic neighbouring landmarks – the Midland Hotel and the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens.
To find out more and keep up to date with Eden Project Morecambe development, visit www.edenproject.com.