Hundreds gather in Morecambe for Eden Project 'moment in history'

The community event, held at the Winter Gardens on Wednesday (June 24), brought together residents, partners, stakeholders, and supporters for what organisers described as a defining "before construction" moment.

Set just metres away from where the Eden Project Morecambe will be built, the venue was packed with people reflecting on years of progress and looking ahead to the next phase of a scheme that is expected to transform the town’s fortunes for generations.

Morecambe comes together in landmark moment as Eden Project celebration captures a community on the cusp of transformation (Image: Annabel Moorcroft)

The project has gathered significant momentum in recent months.

Planning permission was granted in February 2026, followed by the appointment of VINCI Building as the main contractor in April.

In May, the development gained national attention at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where the award-winning "Bring Me Sunshine Garden" showcased ideas co-created with young people from Morecambe.

Earlier this month, a further boost came when £4.5 million was raised through an Omaze house draw, helping to secure one of the project’s key features, the central "Elder Tree" installation.

Together, these developments have pushed the project from concept towards reality — with construction work now expected to begin in August.

Eden Project Morecambe director John Pye said the event was about recognising the role of the community in reaching this turning point.

He said: "This is a major milestone after years in the making… it’s about bringing people together to celebrate all of the hard work that so many people have put into making Eden Project Morecambe a success.

"We are making a transformational change in Morecambe which will last for years to come."

Mr Pye also highlighted how local people will continue to shape the project, pointing to the first phase — a 1.5-acre free-to-enter community garden — which has been designed with input from residents and young people.

Eden Project chief executive Andy Jasper described the significance of the event in the project’s history.

Eden Project Morecambe director John Pye (top left) said the event was about recognising the role of the community in reaching this turning point (Image: Annabel Moorcroft)

He said: "A lot of people ask, 'when’s it going to happen?' because you can’t always see what’s going on behind the scenes.

"But there’s been a huge amount of work to get to where we are today.

"This is a real moment in history — a monumental milestone."

Mr Jasper added that the project could replicate the success seen in Cornwall, where the original Eden Project has contributed billions to the economy and supported hundreds of long-term jobs.

He also said Morecambe is uniquely positioned to benefit, with strong tourism potential and natural assets that make it an ideal location for a major attraction.

Lancaster City Council leader Caroline Jackson hailed the project's potential for the area.

She said: "It’s fantastically exciting… not many things change quickly in a council’s life, but this is proving to be a game changer.

The event was attended by locals and media outlets from across the UK (Image: Annabel Moorcroft)

"Things are going to start moving really quite fast over the next two years as it gets into its construction phase."

She added that the development is expected to bring wider benefits, including boosting tourism, supporting jobs, and enhancing the area’s cultural offer.

Lancashire County Council’s Director of Growth and Property, Simon Lawrence, echoed those sentiments, describing the project's wider benefits.

He said: "It’s a fantastic opportunity for Morecambe… but also for regeneration across the town.

"It’s a massive opportunity to see growth come in on the back of Eden and it’s not just for Morecambe — it’s a fantastic thing for Lancashire as a whole."

He added that the scheme sends a strong message that Lancashire is open to investment and innovation, with the potential to drive wider economic growth, infrastructure development, and opportunities for local communities.

Aerial images taken during the event captured the scale of the turnout, showing a town united at a historic turning point, celebrating shared ambition for the future.

The first phase of the project — the new community garden — is expected to open in spring 2027, marking the beginning of a wider transformation that aims to put Morecambe firmly on the map as a major destination in the North West.