INTERVIEW: ‘We are now in delivery mode’ – Eden chief expresses confidence over Morecambe attraction as more funding confirmed

The man tasked with delivering the £100m Eden Project attraction to Morecambe says a target to open in 2028 is a realistic aim, after a further wave of funding was confirmed.

Eden Project Morecambe has been further strengthened following the release of an additional £2.5million for the development of the new world-class destination.

It brings to £5million the development money that has been made available to date as part of the £50million investment designated to the project by the UK Government.

The availability of the funds means that vital work to design and deliver the scheme can be undertaken.

This includes the important appointment of an external team including architects to further develop the design of the site on Morecambe’s central promenade area, in advance of construction work taking place.

The results of the tender process for this team will be announced in the coming weeks.

Si Bellamy OBE (pictured), the Eden Project’s chief transformation officer, told Beyond Radio: “This project is in delivery and this news is yet another step forward for Eden Project Morecambe.

‘’The release of this investment will help to build further momentum in the project and the addition of a world-class external design team will enable us to complete the crucial work needed before we begin construction.’’

Click here to listen to Si Bellamy OBE talking to Beyond Radio about the latest on the Eden Project:

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.

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

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

The new Labour government is currently reviewing spending for the autumn budget, which will be announced on October 30 and where it’s hoped that clarity about funding will be given.

Si Bellamy added: ‘’We know there’s a spending review, and we know it’s a competitive environment, and the best projects have to demonstrate their value for money.

‘’By the end of October we’ll know what’s happening with the full business case.

‘’This additional £2.5m keeps the project moving, gives us even more momentum. This money gets us beyond the next phase of design and makes our case even more compelling.

‘’This project can deliver regeneration, can deliver transformation. Eden Projects drive growth, and in a government agenda that’s all about the growth of our economy, so we believe this stands out amongst other projects.’’

Half of the money for the project, £50 million, is due to come from from private and philanthropic funds and investment, with Mr Bellamy confirming to Beyond Radio that that part of the project is almost in place, and that it can still be delivered within original  budgets set out in 2022.

‘’Our funding package is the high end of 98% complete, we’re just waiting for that final part from the government,’’ he said.

‘’Once that happens, things like our crowdfunding can start to happen. We have a confident package.

‘’There are changing times, costs have increased, and people have raised concerns. The project is absolutely affordable within the things that we can control, and we have a fundraising plan that goes beyond when the project is in the construction phase.

‘’We’re seeking those individuals who now want to put their stamp on the project, now is the moment to join the fundraising campaign.’’

The Eden team had been aiming for a soft opening of the Morecambe Bay-themed facility - heralded as a game-changer for tourism in the town - in 2026 and full opening in 2027.

Mr Bellamy also told Beyond Radio that they aim to have a full timetable of when work on the site, on land on the promenade, with a revised completion date.

‘’We’re looking to announce a programme of work (on site) towards the middle to the end of Autumn, once we’ve had that dialogue with government,’’ he said.

‘’But in real terms, due to our extra due diligence, the overall opening is shifting from 2027 to 2028, but we’ll confirm that later in the Autumn.

‘’Our mantra is ‘design, design, design, then build’. And the reason we say that is the more detailed the design, the tighter you can make your costs against those things that you can’t control.

‘’We understand that people want to see this built really quickly, we do too, but we really want to go through these detailed designs to assure this project’s costs, and its quality.

‘’Morecambe deserves a world class Eden Project and our designers deserve the time to do that.’’

The news was warmly welcomed by the new Labour MP for Morecambe, Lizzi Collinge (above), who said: “I’m glad to see the next stage of the project progressing. I had no doubt that the new Government would support Eden Project Morecambe as the project is entirely in line with our missions to renew and rebuild our country. Morecambe is such a fabulous place to live and work and I look forward to showing it off to more visitors as Eden Project Morecambe progresses.

“I know that a lot of the background work has not always been visible to the public and this can cause some nervousness for local residents. This step shows that progress is being made and I can’t wait to see plans progress.”

Councillor Catherine Potter, Lancaster City Council cabinet member with responsibility for the visitor economy, community wealth building and culture, said: “This is excellent news and should provide local people with further confidence in the project that they have been craving.

‘’It means we can continue to build momentum and undertake the vital work that is needed to deliver the attraction and the benefits it will bring to our communities and local economy.”

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This is another important step in bringing Eden to Morecambe. Everyone is keen to see this unique visitor attraction come on stream.

‘’It will create jobs and deliver an economic boost to the town and the region and this next stage of investment brings that one step closer.

Sarah Kemp, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Lancaster University, said: “This is an important step forward to bringing this transformational project to Morecambe. All the partners have been working hard to support it and help secure the funding Eden needs to deliver Eden Project Morecambe for the community.”

Eden Project Morecambe will be a landmark attraction for the North West which will continue the Eden Project’s charitable mission of demonstrating and inspiring positive action for the planet. It will connect people to the natural world, celebrating the unique environment of Morecambe Bay.

The project has been designed in a way which is sensitive and complementary to these important buildings and sightlines across the Bay.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University. For more information on Eden Project Morecambe, see www.edenproject.com/morecambe.

A monthly series of community conversations to keep people updated with the latest news on Eden Project Morecambe have been arranged by the project partners.

The latest one is today (Tuesday October 1), with further ones planned in November and December.

For more information click here

Recordings of previous conversations can be found on the same page.