Morecambe Eden Project update as government prepares autumn budget

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Eden Project bosses are set to give an update next week on the planned seafront attraction in Morecambe, as the new Labour government continues to review spending for the autumn budget.

Significant site investigation work was expected at the Morecambe Bay site later this year, Eden bosses said at a previous community conversion this summer. But the new government is pushing for "realism" in all parts of the project and a final opening date could be pushed back, they added.

A first instalment of £2.5million in government money has been committed and contractors were being sought for different roles, Eden bosses said in August.

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The previous Conservative government allocated £50million in levelling-up cash towards Eden Project Morecambe. But Eden still has to find another £50million from sponsors and investors to reach the overall £100million needed.

This week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told BBC Radio Lancashire she wanted to see Eden Project Morecambe go ahead but, when pressed, would not absolutely confirm or rule-out government investment.

She told the BBC: "We want to see that investment. The local people in Morecambe have been really enthusiastic about it and the chancellor absolutely knows that and we will do everything we can to see what we can do to make that happen."

An artists impression of one of the planned domes at the Eden Project in Morecambe
Eden Project Morecambe artist impression of one of the planned domes -Credit:Eden Project/Lancaster City Council

She said factors such as public and private sector investment would be considered along with economic growth, debt and public services.

The very latest situation will be explained at the next Eden Project Morecambe community conversation on Tuesday, October 1. Eden has held a series of these meetings, in-person or on-line, with the public and other organisations including Lancaster City Council, which is also playing a key role.

Tuesday's conversation, starting at 1.30pm, is online and participants need to register in advance through the Eden Project's website. The event will include speakers and a question-and-answers session.

Previous Eden community conversations have explored a range of topics with different speakers. Talks have included themes and ideas for the different exhibition, entertainment and education spaces at the new Morecambe attraction. Also discussed have been opportunities for other tourist, hospitality and retail businesses around the Morecambe and Lancaster area, and arts and music events. Morecambe's Winter Gardens venue, which is itself being restored, has also been used as a location for Eden public talks and workshops.

Education, jobs, leisure and health are also important and members of the public have often said they want Eden to be part of local residents' everyday lives and routines, rather than somewhere visited only occasionally. And Lancaster University and Lancaster & Morecambe College are involved with education, scientific research, skills and training plans linked to Eden's development.

Separately, councillors at Lancaster City Council have been calling for investment in public transport between Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham, to serve visitors and also existing residents, young and old. Electric battery-powered trains have been suggested to get visitors to the new Eden attraction but also to serve other locations such as Morecambe Football Club and Heysham Port.

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