Work on the first stages of the Eden Project Morecambe are progressing to plan, Beyond Radio has been told.
John Pye, project director of Eden Project Morecambe, has provided an update after work began to create the Bring Me Sunshine Garden in September.
The garden is being created on Marine Road as the first part of the long-awaited new visitor attraction.
Mr Pye said that the project "is progressing to plan" for the garden to be completed next spring, and for construction of the main Eden Project site to begin in early 2027.
"Works on the Bring Me Sunshine Garden have been progressing, with the focus to date on site establishment and preparation," said Mr Pye this week.
John Pye
"This has included securing the site, stockpiling high-quality soils for future use within the garden, and removing existing paths and vegetation to create a clear blank canvas for the transformational new design."
Mr Pye also explained why there had been a pause in recent activity on the site.
"To enable the next phase of excavations to be carried out safely, both within the garden and across the wider site, there has been a period of mains electrical and telecommunications service disconnections and redirection," he said.
The Bring Me Sunshine Garden site pictured in October 2026
"With these works now completed, the main construction activity within the garden can continue, keeping this initial planting project on track for completion in spring 2027.
"Away from site, progress is also being made moving the Bring Me Sunshine Garden closer to realisation.
"Additional plants and trees have been procured and are being prepared for planting early next year, while Eden is working closely with (main contractors) VINCI Building UK to develop the construction programme and sequencing for the major build works due to commence in early 2027.
"Overall, the project is progressing to plan, with both site preparation and advance planning activities laying the foundations for the next stage of delivery."
The main Eden Project Morecambe build will take place on the former Dome/Bubbles/Super Swimming Stadium site, pictured here
An official 'breaking ground ceremony' was held on the land in June to herald the imminent start of work on the scheme.
At that time, Eden bosses said the main build construction was scheduled to start by the end of 2026.
Fences then went up around the Bring Me Sunshine Garden land in August, with diggers moving in the following month.
The Bring Me Sunshine Garden was first exhibited at the world famous 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, where it gained both the prestigious RHS Environmental Innovation Award and Silver-Guilt medal.
The 1.5 acre, free to enter community garden will feature dedicated planting beds for people to till and enjoy alongside a showcase of coastal pink, yellow and vibrant blue plantings.
It will stretch from next to the Midland hotel to the popular wishing well on the Prom, which will remain and become part of the garden, along with the war memorial.
The Eden Project said the garden will become a living classroom, community hub and beacon of regeneration, rooted in both the natural and cultural heritage of Morecambe Bay. It will include areas of shelter and seating, and patches for horticulture enthusiasts and local community groups to work on.
Named after the trademark song of Morecambe-born TV comic Eric Morecambe and his partner Ernie Wise, the garden has been created with help from young people from the town.
The site of the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, pictured prior to work starting
The garden has been designed by multi award-winning garden designer Harry Holding and architect Alex Michaelis.
Once complete, the project is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and to support more than 1,000 jobs across construction and the wider regional economy.
The £100m Eden Project Morecambe is being delivered, on the former Dome and Bubbles site and surrounding central Promenade area, by the Eden Project – the globally recognised educational charity, working in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with the support of £50m UK Government investment, with the rest of the money coming from private and philanthropic sources.
The Eden Project charity said the new attraction will be "an immersive visitor destination celebrating the natural rhythms, ecology and heritage of Morecambe Bay" that "will transform the central promenade into a vibrant, year-round destination, featuring striking shell-inspired structures housing immersive environments exploring humanity’s relationship with the natural world".
How the Eden Project could look. Image: Eden Project
Read more: PHOTOS and VIDEO: Fencing goes up around Eden Project Morecambe site - Beyond Radio
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