Much-anticipated new Eden Project attraction planned for UK faces huge setback

THE £100million project was first announced in 2022, with hopes that it will be completed in 2026.

But a huge setback could delay the opening of the brand-new Eden Project Morecambe in Lancaster.

Work on Eden Project Morecambe, originally known as Eden Project North, has been delayed by Government red tape.

As reported by the Eden Boss, Si Bellamy, revealed that some stages were "taking longer than expected" - with the opening date likely to be pushed back.

The delays have resulted from ongoing talks between the Eden team, Lancaster City Council, and the UK Government's levelling-up department, which awarded £50million to the project in January.

Mr Bellamy said: "That process is taking far longer than anyone envisaged, but we are coming to the end of the process.

"It's important that when you are in receipt of taxpayers' money, you would expect that everything is absolutely accurate and that whatever we do with Eden Project Morecambe doesn't skew the market elsewhere."

A Government review will be published at the start of 2024, with detailed design work expected to take place later that year.

Construction will start on the Lancashire site in the same year, and is expected to take two years to complete.

If everything goes to plan, test events will then take place at the end of 2026, with a full opening to follow shortly afterward.

As it stands, Eden Project Morecambe will have four huge "shell-like" domes that will be surrounded by outdoor gardens.

There will also be a "hyper-real forest" with large installations and immersive theatre, a "Bay Glade'" with a well-being landscape, and a Natural Observatory for research and education.

Meanwhile, the Bay Hall will be an exhibition area and meeting point for guests.

The attraction will also be home to children's play areas, restaurants, and a gift shop.

Events will also be hosted throughout the year, much like the Cornwall Eden Project, which has welcomed famous faces like Elton John, Lionel Richie, and Kylie Minogue.

It is hoped that the £100million investment will drive some 750,000 visitors to the seaside town every year.

Further afield, there's a botanical theme park that people say is "better than the Eden Project".

Terra Botanica in Angers, France is an award-winning attraction that's home to hot air balloon rides, boats, and 4D cinema.

Here are the 5 best technology-free adventure parks in the UK that kids love.