Landmark moment as Eden Project Morecambe celebration captures a community on the cusp of transformation

The event brought together residents, partners, stakeholders and supporters to reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to the next phase of what will become a major new cultural landmark for the north west.

The event marked a defining “before construction” moment with the Morecambe community coming together on the cusp of transformation to celebrate being part of something that will shape the town for generations to come.

The celebration follows a period of significant momentum for the project.

Planning permission was granted in February 2026, VINCI Building was appointed as main contractor in April, and in May the project gained national attention at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with the award-winning Bring Me Sunshine Garden co-designed by garden designer Harry Holding, architect Alex Michaelis and young adults from Morecambe.

In June, a further boost came as £4.5m was raised through the Omaze Million-Pound House Prize Draw, helping secure the project’s striking central exhibit, The Elder Tree.

Together, these milestones represent a major leap forward in realising the vision for a world class destination on Morecambe’s promenade.

Aerial images captured during the event show a large-scale community gathering – a powerful visual of a town united at a historic turning point, celebrating progress and shared ambition for the future.

Guests at the event, including dignitaries Amanda Parker, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Dave Collinge, High Sheriff of Lancashire, Morecambe MP Lizzi Collinge and Eden Project’s original co-founder Sir Tim Smit, heard directly from the project team and partners about what happens next, including confirmation that groundworks will begin this August on a vibrant new 1.5-acre, free-to-enter community garden – the first phase of the development, set to open in spring 2027.

Andy Jasper, CEO of the charity Eden Project, said: “This was a momentous occasion – ceremoniously putting the giant spade in the ground, with so many hundreds of people to witness this incredibly powerful moment before construction begins which means so much.

“As the charity Eden Project marks its 25th anniversary this year, we’ve been reflecting on those early days in Cornwall when people stood together on a former clay pit in 2001, at the very beginning of something that would go on to become a world-renowned charity and visitor destination.

"That project has since welcomed 25m visitors and pulled in £6.8bn to Cornwall and the south west region, and it all began with a moment just like this.

“We are now firmly on track to begin work on site this August. A huge amount of work from the partnership has gone into getting everything in place so that when we start, we can hit the ground running.

“I hope people look back at this moment with such pride, knowing they were part of history in the making.”

Richard Slater, VINCI Building’s contracts manager, said: “This was a fantastic moment to be part of – bringing together so many people from across Morecambe to celebrate what is a truly significant step forward for the town.

"As main contractor, we’re proud to be playing a role in helping bring Eden Project Morecambe to life. We’re now moving from vision to reality, and events like this highlight just how much the project means to the local community.

“We’re committed to working closely with partners, stakeholders and local people throughout the build, ensuring the project not only delivers an exceptional destination, but also creates lasting opportunities and benefits for Morecambe and the wider region.

"It’s inspiring to see the strength of support behind the project, and we’re excited to get started on site in the coming months.”

Coun Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Seeing so many people come together for this historic event really brought home what this project means to our community.

“Eden Project Morecambe brings a wonderful sense of hope to the town: it is the opportunity to create jobs, to inspire young people and bring new energy and investment into the district.

"At this time when we need to understand our environment and how to live sustainably, Eden brings us both knowledge, passion and entertainment. We’re incredibly proud to be part of making it happen and look forward to seeing this important next chapter in Morecambe’s story unfold.”

Coun Stephen Atkinson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Today’s celebration shows the level of support there is for Eden Project Morecambe and the excitement around what it will bring to the town and a catalyst for regeneration and prosperity.

“This project will have a lasting impact not only in Morecambe but across Lancashire, creating jobs, attracting visitors and supporting economic growth for years to come and it is encouraging to see the project reaching this stage at a time when Morecambe and Lancashire are preparing to welcome the Tour de France next year.

"Both will bring new attention to the area and highlight the scale of ambition we have for the future. I look forward to seeing work begin on site and to watching the project take shape.”

The Rt Hon Alistair Burt, Pro-Chancellor of Lancaster University, said: “As a civic university and a founding partner in this ambitious project, Lancaster University is deeply invested in the health and vitality of our local and regional communities and economy.

"The Eden Project Morecambe initiative will help us to further capitalise on our wide-ranging research strengths to drive impact and research to improve health and wellbeing, education, engagement, economic development and sustainability of Morecambe, Lancashire and beyond. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting step forward today.”

Eden Project Morecambe remains on track to open in winter 2028, bringing an immersive visitor destination celebrating the natural rhythms, ecology and heritage of Morecambe Bay.

Eden Project Morecambe will transform the central promenade into a vibrant, year-round destination, featuring striking shell-inspired structures housing immersive environments exploring humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Once complete, the project is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and to support more than 1,000 jobs across construction and the wider regional economy, delivering long-term economic, educational and wellbeing benefits.

Eden Project Morecambe is being delivered by the Eden Project – the globally recognised educational charity, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year – working in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with the support of UK Government investment.

One of the nation’s favourite gardening experts, BBC Gardeners World TV presenter Carol Klein was announced at the event as a new ambassador for Eden Project Morecambe.

Joining the ceremonial celebration via video message, she said: “Eden Project Morecambe is going to be transformative for people who live locally and for the North West region. I share the excitement ahead of work starting this summer and I'm absolutely delighted to offer my support.

"The breaking ground celebration taking place marks a wonderful moment for the people and community and all those who are behind this project to gather and share.

“Meeting the talented young adults who helped design the Eden Project Bring Me Sunshine Garden showcased at RHS Chelsea demonstrates the incredible potential not just to cultivate beautiful gardens and planting, but to nurture potential and shape a bright future.

"That's been a big inspiration for me becoming an ambassador for Eden Project Morecambe – my own connections to Morecambe and wonderful days spent there, so I plant my spade in the soil in solidarity with you all today."