Site investigation work has begun at the future Eden Project Morecambe, marking what organisers call “positive momentum” for the landmark eco-attraction.
Over the next three weeks, contractors from Bury-based LK Group will dig test pits across the central promenade site—formerly home to the Bubbles leisure complex—to assess old underground structures, including a buried sea wall and remnants of the Super Swimming Stadium. The seafront plot is largely reclaimed land built in stages since 1935.
Eden bosses say the work will identify and mitigate potential risks, streamline planning, and inform the final design.
The investigations coincide with the project’s first recruitment drive, with vacancies in project management, communications, administration, finance, and fundraising. Applications close next week.
Earlier this year, John Pye, formerly of the RHS Bridgewater garden development in Salford, was appointed project director and is now based in Morecambe. He said:
“Today marks a fantastic moment on the road to delivering Eden Project Morecambe. I’m sure the local community will be as excited as we are to see physical activity beginning to take place.
“These works are a normal and necessary step for a project of this scale. With investigations under way and our recruitment process bringing more boots on the ground, we’re actively demonstrating the social and economic benefits this project will bring to Morecambe and the surrounding areas.”
The Eden Project is being developed in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with an opening planned for late 2028.
Beyond its role as a tourism and environmental destination, the project aims to boost local education and skills, including school programmes, apprenticeship training at Lancaster & Morecambe College, and university research. Plans also feature arts and music events, with new performance spaces on site and collaborations with existing venues such as the Grade II listed Winter Gardens* and the 1930s Midland Hotel nearby.
