'Work progressing' on Eden Project Morecambe

Eden Project Morecambe is "still a viable scheme" and work is progressing on the design details, Lancaster city councillors have been told in a new report.

The next consultation on the project, which will be built on the site of the former leisure complex, will be held at Morecambe Football Club on 9 June.

John Pye, formerly the head of estates for the Royal Horticultural Society in the north, who will lead the scheme after being appointed in March, is expected to attend.

Eden Project Morecambe is expected to open in 2028.

The update comes as Lancaster City Council's budget and performance panel is due to assesses a range of big projects including Eden at a meeting on 4 June.

Eden Project Morecambe will be built on the promenade where Bubbles leisure complex used to be sited.

An update report for councillors said work was currently in the detailed design stage and added: "Work has been progressing on the new design-to-cost programme.

"Modelling shows the project is still viable."

Bosses have also appointed an external design team, headed by WSP consultants and architects firm Grimshaw.

WSP has previously supported Eden Project Morecambe with planning, highways and environmental work.

Grimshaw led the design of the original Eden Project in Cornwall and has worked with Eden Project Morecambe in earlier phases of the development, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Eden Project Morecambe involves a partnership between Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University.

Described as a "global garden", it will feature three large shell-shaped pavilions overlooking Morecambe Bay.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.