Thumbs up for design changes marks start of "transformative year" for Eden Project Morecambe

Changes to the design of Eden Project Morecambe have been given planning approval - a decision hailed by Eden as a "major milestone".

Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee gave permission on Monday for updates to the look and scale of the planned £100m development on Morecambe Promenade.

The altered planning application was necessary to reflect changes to the scheme announced since 2022, when permission was first granted by Lancaster City Council.

Eden asked the council to approve amendments to the design and layout of the already-agreed development - known as a planning variation.

When permission was first granted, the Eden Project was expected to open in 2024.

This has since been put back to a planned opening date of 2028, with construction due to start later this year.

Changes to the design were also announced in 2025, from an original concept of two larger domes and a smaller one on the site, which has been changed to one large dome and a flatter mussel-shaped building next to it.

The committee of local councillors also voted in favour of plans to build a new flood defence wall to protect the Eden Project attraction when it is built.

A spokesperson for the Eden Project said today's decisions "mark 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".

The free-to-enter gardens will open in early 2027 and the spokesperson said they "will form a welcoming gateway" to the attraction.

Below, a new CGI image of the gardens near the Eden Project Morecambe.

"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. 

Below, concept art of The Elder Tree at Eden Project Morecambe

"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."

Below, a new CGI image of gardens near Eden Project Morecambe

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.  

Below, John Pye.

"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 at 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.” 

Below, artwork showing inside 'The Realm of the Sun'

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 Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours. 

The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster University and is supported by UK Government investment. 

The Eden Project is an educational charity that demonstrates and inspires positive action for the planet, and runs the Eden Project attraction in Cornwall.

Also at Monday's meeting at Morecambe Town Hall, a flood barrier and associated works, on land east of the central Promenade regeneration site, was given planning permission.

Read more: Design changes at Eden Project Morecambe backed by council officers - Beyond Radio