'Scaled-down' size of Eden Project Morecambe 'better suited' to area
The new design has two main indoor domes, rather than four as originally planned in 2022
The ‘scaled-down’ size of Eden Project Morecambe and its impact on other landmarks were discussed when councillors approved changes to Eden’s plans this week.
The new design has two main indoor domes, rather than four as originally planned in 2022, along with themed outdoor gardens, concert and community spaces, a ’causeway’ entrance and sea walls.
Lancaster City Council’s planning committee approved the revised plans this week – with the the impact of other listed sites along Morecambe promenade being a key part of the discussions. The other listed sites include the white streamline Midland Hotel, the terracotta Winter Gardens venue and the town’s war memorial.
Councillors also considered how the two domes would look from viewpoints further along the promenade including Morecambe’s Clock Tower.
A heritage officer, planning officers, the Lancaster Civic Vision group and Historic England were all happy with the new scaled-down designs.
Regarding the two domes, planning officer Andrew Clement said: “The Realm Of The Sun building is very similar to one of the buildings in the original design but slightly smaller. The greatest change is the Realm Of The Moon building. There will be solar panels on the roof to power the majority of the site.”
The Eden Project says visitors will journey through immersive ‘realms’ in the two buildings, each exploring humanity’s evolving connection with the natural world.
The Realm of the Sun will form ‘a bright, tropical landscape of the near future’, with interactive exhibits, living structures, storytelling and workshops. The Realm of the Moon will offer a ‘darker, more mysterious environment inspired by the extraordinary rhythms of Morecambe Bay’. It will include a hyper‑real rock pool with accelerated tides, acknowledging Morecambe Bay’s status as having one of the largest tidal ranges in the world.
Proposals around the site also include putting the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, the Eden Project’s 25th‑anniversary show-piece at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, at the front approach near Marine Road Central.
At the planning meeting, Conservative Coun Keith Budden asked about the future of the seafront Flock of Words sculpture and poetry trail celebrating Morecambe Bay. He said: “Will this be incorporated into the Eden Project plans or could it be gifted to the city council to find another use?”
Mr Clement said it would be kept in place.
Town centre roads, pavements and pedestrian crossings were also discussed. Labour’s Robert Redfern asked: “Are there plans to close any sections of the promenade between Marine Road and the railway station? “
Officers said there were no plans for road closures but, in theory, they could be considered in future. Some pavements will be widened and some road junctions slightly altered, to improve the traffic flow. Lancashire County Council is mainly responsible for deciding highways changes.
Sea walls and flood protections are also included in the new approved plans. Mr Clement said: “The Eden Project has worked with the Environment Agency on these measures. Sea walls are designed at certain heights to protect against rising tides. This is about future-proofing the site for climate change over the next 50 to 100 years."