News from the gardening world
New £80 million eco-attraction set to revitalise Lancashire resort
Cornwall’s Eden Project has unveiled a major new tourist development in the Lancashire resort of Morecambe. Focus of the environmental charity’s development is a series of pavilions, inspired by the natural architecture of mussels, which could house a variety of environments.
The vision is to create a seaside resort for the 21st century, to include reimagined lidos, gardens, performance spaces, immersive experiences and observatories, inspired by the marine seafront against which it will stand. A primary aim will be to help the regeneration of the area socially, economically and environmentally, with health and well-being being a key ingredient.
Dubbed Eden Project North, the area was formally occupied by a swimming pool complex and theatre. The new structures will be created by project architects Grimshaw, who designed the charity’s iconic Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes in Cornwall. They’re also involved in creating new structures for other international Eden projects in China.
Moves to raise the £80 million price-tag are now underway, with the project slated to open in 2022. Eden’s partners include Lancaster University, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster City Council and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.
“Morecambe is a unique and beautiful location, perfectly situated near the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales,” said Eden project International Chief Executive David Harland. “It’s so heartening to be working with partners who share our ambitions and aspirations for the town and region.”