Council backed the new plan
Lancaster City Council has backed the new plans for Eden Project at Morecambe, having approved the original, larger version of the Eden Project plans over four years ago. It is proposed that the £100mn Eden Project Morecambe, designed by Grimshaw Architects, will be constructed on the former Bubbles Leisure Complex and Superdome site, an 11 acre site near the town’s promenade, and has long been seen as a potential aid for the revival of the seaside town.
The idea behind of the changes is to ensure that the attraction, to be located on the site of the former Super Dome and Bubbles Pool, will be delivered in the planned timeframe and budget, while having less impact on nearby landmarks including the Winter Gardens venue and the Midland Hotel than the first plan was feared to have.
Planning officers were reported to be recommending councillors approve the application
The plans had to be changed last year, in what was described as a “strategic recalibration” in order to make it more financially viable, and to reduce the overall size of the Project. The original version of the scheme as it was approved in 2022 featured as many as four domes with a ground surface just shy of 200,000 sq ft, while the recent plans are for in total less than 100,000 sq ft.
The external spaces have been enhanced in the new plans, such as the 1.5-acre ‘Bring me Sunshine Garden’ and the new version of the attraction now approved will have two domed eco-systems, the Realm of the Sun and the Realm of the Moon.
A first look at the new plans can be found here .
More on the new plans
There will be two domes, called the Realm of the Moon and Realm of the Sun, linked by a metronome entrance. The Realm of the Sun will be particularly ‘unique’, as it will be responsive to warm and cold seasons. And to fit in with the idea of tidal rhythms in Morecambe Bay, “rhythm is a key theme for the overall Eden attraction including tidal, sun and moon cycles. Coastal plants, animals and human life will all be explored too”.
The Eden Project Morecambe
The official website of the Eden Project Morecambe tells us that the domes are inspired by ‘the beauty, efficiency and natural geometries’ of the types of seashells found on the shore of Morecambe Bay. The distinctive architecture is intended to be ‘instantly recognisable and an emblem of sustainability’, and as a mark of the deep connection of the Eden Project to area, while at the same time respecting other local heritage sites.
The website then tells us that immersive worlds and extraordinary living landscapes will be housed on the site, with “world class art, performance, story-telling, interactive installations and play. With Morecambe Bay’s tidal range being one of the largest in the world, the natural rhythms of nature underpin all aspects of the Eden Project Morecambe.”
Concerns over new plans
The new plans have however raised some concerns amongst residents of Morecambe and “the announcement has sparked spirited debate among local residents and readers”
It was noted that some had questioned whether the project will ever materialise, expressing scepticism about years of delays, with one person commenting: “Will never be built. All talk for years…no money …and tiny version of the original planned.”
Another commented: “Lots of talk. No action. How long has this been going on already and nothing.”
The downscaling of the size of the revised Eden Project has also sparked concerns. People felt that every time new plans are put forward, the vision for Eden Project Morecambe gets scaled down further, leading to some people suspecting that if and when it is ever completed, any uniqueness will be lost. One person commented: “Going smaller every time you see plans. Will be a telephone kiosk at this rate”.
More concerns are said to have been raised about whether or not the necessary transport infrastructure is in place. Indeed, there was a meeting of the Council of the North in Preston last year, when somebody from Morecambe pointed out that there would need to be more public transport provision once the project becomes reality.
Time to get on with it
In the last century, Morecambe was so popular as a holiday resort for Bradford residents for a time, that during summer the Bradford Telegraph and Argus used to open a special office for news in Morecambe. In the 21st century, however, with so many northern families taking advantage of cheap flights to guaranteed sun-filled holiday destinations abroad, Morecambe has in the eyes of many, become one of the archetypal ‘left-behind towns. This is despite the valiant efforts of many residents of the town.
When the prospect of establishing what was first described as the Eden Project North in Morecambe first came to light, it was a joy to think that here was a real chance for the town to recover, with a classy visitor attraction to match its beautiful setting on Morecambe Bay, with breathtaking views of the Lake District mountains. The attraction and the site seemed like a perfect fit.
In many respects, they still do, but it is important that residents’ concerns are taken into consideration, that the development is started and finalised without more delays, that it iwill be a size that makes it worthwhile visiting and also crucially that the infrastructure is put in place.
The Eden Project Morecambe can become a game changer for the town, while also helping people to respect and enjoy the beauty of the natural world and remember how important it is for us to look after it. But it is surely now time to get on with it.
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