BRAND new pictures have revealed what people can expect from the £100m Eden Project, expected to open in the UK in 2026.
Work is set to begin on the new attraction in Morecambe this year, after it moved closer to securing the funding it needs.
And at an event in the town’s Winter Gardens theatre this week, new concept images provided further examples of what will be in the facility when it’s finally able to open its doors.
They show impressive looking walkways linking treehouses, as well as other wooden structures, which will be built beneath the domes that will make up the overall layout.
The pictures add to ones that have been released gradually throughout the planning process, leading up to the beginning of construction.
A press release about the event at the Winter Gardens theatre stated that, although the project is initially aiming to open in 2026, it won’t be fully open to the public until the year after.
It reads: “Eden Project Morecambe will be a landmark attraction for the North West which will continue the Eden Project’s mission of connecting people to the natural world, celebrating the unique environment of Morecambe Bay.
“Eden Project Morecambe will be situated on the central promenade of Morecambe, on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex with the Grade II listed Winter Gardens and Midland Hotel its near neighbours.
“The project has been designed in a way which is sensitive and complementary to these important buildings and sightlines across the Bay.
“Construction is due to begin this year (2024) and the project is due to open for small-scale community-focussed test events in 2026 with a full opening in Spring 2027.”
Attendees were able to speak directly to the Eden Project team, while also taking part in workshops and looking at the latest designs, revealing what will be in the facility.
Once completed, the new Eden Project will be home to such features as a “hyper-real forest” as well as large installations and immersive theatre spaces.
This will all be housed within three huge shell-shaped pavilions which will overlook Morecambe Bay.
Other reasons for people to visit include a ‘Bay Glade’ as well as a wellbeing landscape and a natural observatory which will be used for both research and education.
Meanwhile, there will be an exhibition area and meeting point for guests named the Bay Hall.
The attraction will also have children’s play areas, restaurants, cafes and a gift shop.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
The space will host events throughout the year, similar to the ones held at the Cornwall Eden Project.
Famous musicians such as Elton John, Lionel Richie and Kylie Minogue have all turned up and performed.
Bosses hope that once the site opens, it could attract as many as 750,000 guests every year.
Ticket prices are yet to be revealed, but non-ticket holders will be able to access some of the outdoor area.
Meanwhile, this other Eden project is also set to open in Dundee.
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