A major fundraising partnership has delivered a £4.5 million boost for the Eden Project Morecambe, more than four times the amount initially guaranteed, helping secure a key centrepiece of the landmark scheme.
The funding, raised through an Omaze Million Pound House Draw held in May, will fully fund the creation of The Elder Tree, a central immersive exhibit within the new attraction, which is due to open on Morecambe’s seafront in 2028.
The draw, which offered one entrant the chance to win a luxury home, was launched with a guaranteed £1 million donation for the Eden Project.
However, strong public support saw the total raised climb to £4.5m — providing a significant boost to one of the North’s most ambitious regeneration projects.
Eden Project Morecambe is set to transform the town’s seafront into a major cultural and environmental destination, designed to connect people with nature while delivering long-term economic and social benefits for Lancashire and the wider North West.
At the heart of the attraction will be two shell-inspired structures housing immersive environments known as "Realms".
These will explore humanity’s relationship with the natural world through contrasting experiences: the vibrant, biodiverse Realm of the Sun and the darker, more reflective Realm of the Moon.
The newly funded Elder Tree will sit at the centre of the Realm of the Sun. Rising 20 metres high, the installation will take visitors on a journey from its roots to the hollows of its trunk, exploring the history of ecosystems and the impact of human activity, while encouraging people to imagine a more sustainable future.
Andy Jasper, chief executive of the Eden Project, said the funding represented a "transformational" step forward for the scheme.
"We’re deeply grateful to Omaze and everyone who entered the draw," he said.
"Every entry has helped bring us closer to making Eden Project Morecambe a reality.
"The Elder Tree will sit at the heart of the visitor experience.
"It will not only be a striking landmark, but also a powerful storytelling device, helping people understand our changing relationship with the natural world and inspiring a positive vision for the future."
The partnership with Omaze is seen as a key milestone for the project as it moves towards the construction phase, reinforcing its potential to create jobs, support skills development and attract visitors year-round.
Matt Pohlson, founder and chief executive of Omaze, said the campaign showed the wider impact of the prize draw model.
"Our lucky winner may have walked away with a spectacular home, but they were also part of a community that has helped raise £4.5 million for Eden Project Morecambe," he said.
"We’re incredibly proud to support a project that will inspire people to reconnect with nature while creating opportunity across the North West."
The Eden Project has a 25-year track record of regeneration and education projects, with its original Cornwall site attracting more than 25 million visitors since opening in 2001 and contributing billions to the regional economy.
In Morecambe, early work is set to begin this summer on a new 1.5-acre community garden space, which will be free to enter.
The gardens will include the Bring Me Sunshine Garden — first showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 — and co-designed with young people from the town.
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The gardens are expected to open in spring 2027, ahead of the main Eden Project Morecambe attraction, which is scheduled to open in winter 2028.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with backing from the UK Government.
Once complete, it is expected to become a major visitor attraction for the North of England, helping to bring jobs, investment and tourism to Morecambe and the wider Lancashire area.
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