A leading light at the Eden Project has spoken about how their new community garden will start to take shape on Morecambe Promenade.
Tracey Robbins, head of communities at the Eden Project, visited Beyond Radio to talk about plans for the 'Bring Me Sunshine' garden.
Work on installing the garden, named with a nod to the town's favourite son Eric Morecambe, will begin later this year, with construction work on the £100m visitor attraction itself also due to start in 2026.
"This will be the first thing that people will have access to and be able to get involved in," said Mrs Robbins.
"It's really important that the people of Morecambe and Lancaster feel that this is their space."
LISTEN to Tracey Robbins talking about the plans
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.
Designed by multi award-winning garden designer Harry Holding and architect Alex Michaelis, it will take centre stage at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.
Work to install the garden will follow in summer 2026, with plans to officially open to the public as it bursts into spring colour in 2027, ahead of Eden Project Morecambe’s full opening the following year.
"It's the first thing that people will see, and the first real thing that people's ideas and imagination have been involved in, and they can see their ideas have come to fruition in this garden," said Mrs Robbins.
"I think it's going to be absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to start on it."
Below, how the Bring Me Sunshine Garden might look.
"We want to bring a bit of reimagining and transformation, but you don't wait to eradicate the history," said Mrs Robbins.
"It's important that things are there that people love.
"We want it to be a place of happiness, and help Lancaster and Morecambe be that beacon of hope for the future."
Below, a sign on the Promenade saying Eden Project Morecambe is coming soon.
Over two days and four interactive sessions in Morecambe in January, residents of all ages are invited to come together to enjoy and explore nature, contribute creative ideas, and help shape the future of the Bring Me Sunshine Community Garden.
Activities will include opportunities for all ages to get creative and learn more about pollinators, enjoy climate and nature conscious conversations and informally discuss the upcoming plans for the garden.
Those attending any of the four sessions will be invited to participate in an immersive activity with artist Finbar Ward with all individual pieces integrating into the sculpture which forms part of the new garden.
The sessions, organised by the Eden Project and Lancaster City Council, are on Tuesday January 13 at More Music, Devonshire Road, Morecambe and on Wednesday January 14 at the Rainbow Centre, Clarence Street, Morecambe; sessions are from 3.30pm to 5pm and 5.30pm to 7pm.
All welcome and you can book HERE.
The Eden Project Morecambe is a new £100m attraction, scheduled to be built on Morecambe's central Promenade.
The land was previously occupied by The Dome entertainment venue and the Bubbles leisure centre, and prior to that the Morecambe Leisure Park outdoor swimming pool and the Super Swimming Stadium.
The project has been described as "the greatest show of nature’s rhythms, where time is sped up, slowed down or paused - revealing the wonder, rhythms and threats to the health and well-being of people, Morecambe Bay, and planet".
As well as exhibitions themed on the natural world and Morecambe Bay, housed inside a 'Realm of the Sun' and a 'Realm of the Moon', the attraction will include public gardens, a 6000-capacity concert venue and a restaurant.
Read more: Dates announced as Eden Project Morecambe set for big year in 2026 - Beyond Radio
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