Eden Project Morecambe (previously Eden Project North) has received £50m funding in the second round of the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund. The bid was submitted by Lancaster City Council, one of the Eden Project’s key partners on the project and was chosen as a recipient of the largest investment possible under the fund, earmarked for large-scale cultural regeneration projects.
Grimshaw, who led the design of Eden Project in Cornwall, has worked with Eden Project over the past five years on the design of Eden Project Morecambe - an attraction which, through a series of shell-like structures, will host exhibitions, immersive experiences and inspire wonder in the natural life of Morecambe Bay. The team has worked extensively with local partners Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Lancaster University to help realise local outcomes including the expected 300 high-quality green jobs directly created by the project, and more than 1,000 additional new jobs in support across the region. The attraction is expecting visitor numbers to be 740,000 each year.
This unique project is driven by a regenerative and biophilic design approach and focusses on reducing embodied and operational carbon, minimising energy and contributing positively to the environment. A collection of outdoor gardens surrounding the buildings are also designed to celebrate and reflect the flora, geology and rhythms of the coastal environment. Affording new views across the bay, Eden Project Morecambe will complement the townscape including the setting of the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel nearby.
“It’s fantastic that Eden Project Morecambe has been awarded this government funding. The design has been inspired by its local context – socially, environmentally and economically - which the Levelling Up funding will enable, and is influenced by the outstanding natural beauty of Morecambe Bay. We are excited for the next stages in the development, bringing to life this landmark destination of national and international significance.”
Jolyon Brewis, Partner at Grimshaw
Rob Chatwin, Group CEO of the Eden Project, said: “This is a historic moment for the town of Morecambe and the surrounding area and for the Eden Project and our partners. We are delighted that Eden Project Morecambe has been recognised as part of the Levelling Up Fund and we are incredibly grateful to the Government, our partners, David Morris MP and the unique community of Morecambe for their wholehearted support."
"This is a ringing endorsement of the teamwork that has brought Eden Project Morecambe to this point. We will now continue to work hard with our partners to make this vision a reality.” added Rob.
The funding allows the project to move into its next phase and begin the process of finalising the remaining £50m from private and philanthropic sources identified as part of the bidding process.
19.01.2023
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