Eden Project Morecambe celebrates a major milestone paving the way to break ground in 2026 

Eden Project Morecambe, a new world‑class destination and cultural landmark for North West England, is celebrating a major milestone today (February 16, 2026) with planning approval granted for its evolved design. 

This decision marks the beginning of a transformative year for the ambitious site overlooking Morecambe Bay, including the creation of 1.5 acres of vibrant, interconnected community gardens. Opening in early 2027, these free‑to‑enter gardens will form a welcoming gateway to the highly anticipated Eden Project Morecambe, opening in 2028. 

The evolved design for Eden Project Morecambe, unveiled in June 2025, focuses on exceptional visitor experiences, deep ecological storytelling and a strengthened relationship with the Bay’s unique coastal environment. Inspired by the natural geometries, beauty and efficiency of seashells, the architecture will be instantly recognisable and will be an emblem of sustainability with a deep connection to place, respecting and complementing the highly valued heritage landmarks nearby.  

Visitors will journey through a series of immersive “Realms” within two shell-inspired superstructures, each exploring humanity’s evolving connection with the natural world. 

The Realm of the Sun will form a bright, tropical landscape of the near future, where interactive exhibits, living structures, storytelling and workshops will help visitors reconnect with nature’s rhythms. At its centre will stand The Elder Tree – a striking 18‑metre sculptural landmark guiding guests from its roots to the hollows of its trunk, revealing memories of ecosystems past. 

The Realm of the Moon will offer a darker, more mysterious environment inspired by the extraordinary rhythms of Morecambe Bay. It will feature a hyper‑real rock pool where accelerated tides – acknowledging the bay’s status as having one of the largest tidal ranges in the world – along with shifting days and seasons, will shape an ever‑changing world of discovery. 

The extensive landscaped gardens will welcome visitors to the site ahead of the wider project opening, offering a place to gather, grow, play, learn and reconnect with nature, in a way that reflects Morecambe’s identity as one of the UK’s most uplifting coastal landscapes. At their heart will sit a dramatically expanded, permanent version of the Eden Project Bring Me Sunshine Garden, Eden’s 25th‑anniversary showpiece at this May’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. 

Designed by award‑winning duo Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis and co‑created with young adults from Morecambe, the garden showcases sustainable innovation never before seen at RHS Chelsea and features materials rooted in Morecambe Bay’s heritage, including boundary panels made from mussel shells and terraces formed from cockle shell by‑products. A solar‑powered, shell‑shaped limestone canopy will shelter an outdoor classroom blending hands‑on horticulture, foraging, crafts and digital learning. 

Celebrating skills development and community pride, the Bring Me Sunshine Garden pays tribute to Morecambe’s most famous son, Eric Morecambe, capturing the warmth, humour and hope of a community on the cusp of transformation.  

Relocation of the Chelsea garden to Morecambe will begin in late summer 2026, ahead of the community gardens opening to the public in spring 2027.  

Andy Jasper, Chief Executive of the Eden Project, said: “Getting the green light to begin building is an incredibly exciting milestone – and a momentous one to be celebrating in our 25th anniversary year. Relationships have always been at the heart of our charity’s mission – our connections with nature, with people, with place and with the planet. The community gardens, the first phase of development, will embody this ethos from day one.” 

John Pye, Project Director, Eden Project Morecambe, said: “With planning permission now secured and formal agreements currently being finalised, the project moves forward with confidence. This marks a hugely significant moment for Eden Project Morecambe and for the entire community that has travelled this journey with us.  Bringing the Chelsea ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ garden – a space shaped with local people – home to the Bay is the first step in transforming this remarkable site into a world‑class destination celebrating nature, wellbeing and the true spirit of Morecambe.” 

Eden Project Morecambe is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation and deliver substantial economic, cultural and educational benefits for local people. Year‑round visitor numbers are projected to significantly boost the regional economy, supporting businesses, cultural organisations and supply-chain partners across Lancashire and Cumbria. 

Councillor Caroline Jackson, Leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “This is a proud moment for Lancaster and Morecambe. Planning approval unlocks opportunities for employment, tourism and economic growth that will benefit residents for decades. The gardens will offer a joyful new public space long before the main site opens, ensuring communities feel the impact of Eden’s arrival from the very beginning.” 

County Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “This transformational project will bring significant economic and social benefits, not just to Morecambe but to Lancashire as a whole. 

“Eden Project Morecambe will play a key role in attracting visitors, driving footfall and supporting local businesses, creating new jobs and attracting further investment – all contributing to our wider ambitions for growth and employment across the county. Confirming this next phase is an important step towards seeing this ambitious project realised and we look forward to seeing the first elements take shape in 2026.” 

Professor Sarah Kemp, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, Lancaster University – a founding partner – said: “Reaching this milestone is tremendously heartening and we look forward to seeing visible elements of the project come to life in the months ahead.” 

Eden Project Morecambe will be situated on the central promenade of Morecambe, on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex with the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours. The project has been designed in a way which is sensitive and complementary to these important buildings and sightlines across the Bay.  

The project, which is due to fully open in 2028, is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster University and is supported by UK Government investment. 

For more information, visit www.edenproject.com/morecambe.