Eden Project Morecambe - community conversation Q&As
At the recent in-person community conversation that took place on 3rd September 2024, a number of questions were received that there wasn't time to answer on the evening. These questions, along with the answers, have been compiled and published below.
They have been organised by theme.
Design and construction
Are you still planning an outdoor music venue? And how many will it seat?
Yes, we are planning for a 6,000-capacity outdoor music venue as part of Eden Project Morecambe.
What type of events will be held in the outdoor area?
The details of our cultural programme are still to be decided but live music and performance will be a key part of the Eden Project Morecambe experience.
Have you calculated the costs of materials as of two years ago compared to today, and if more where is the extra money coming from?
We have built generous contingencies into our business plan to take into account inflation and unexpected price increases. We are confident Eden Project Morecambe will be delivered for £100m.
How much of the funding is confirmed?
Almost all of it has been confirmed. We are waiting for the UK Government to approve our business case and will be able to publicly announce details of the full funding package after that.
How confident are you on the cost management?
Very confident. Our team has many decades of experience and we will be working with industry-leading partners to ensure the project is delivered on budget.
Is Eden actually going to happen?
Yes!
When will we see the final design for Eden, and will it still be subject to planning permissions if changedv from the original plan?
We aim to release updated visuals and details soon and if revisions to the planning permission are required these will be reported appropriately.
Are local residents going to be offered a discount for membership and be given the chance to attend local only events?
Similarly to Cornwall, we will offer a local concession for Eden Project Morecambe. Details to be confirmed.
Can you give more information on the build infastructure and what if any disruptions there will be?
A full construction plan will be created once our main contractor is on board and we will have an open dialogue with the community over how our work may impact people. We will ensure any impact is minimised.
Is Eden going to have some kind of tourist informaton centre?
No, but we will work with regional destination marketing organisations to ensure that we work alongside other tourism buisnesses in the area to maxmimise benefits for everyone.
Has the 50 million been gaining interest since its allocation by the government?
Lancaster City Council - the accountable body for Eden Project Morecambe - has yet to receive the full £50m and therefore hasn't accrued interest on it.
I am aware you are finding local businesses to invest hae you got any to commit?
We are very close to being able to confirm the full £100m investment for Eden Project Morecambe. This will come from a mixture of philanthropic and private investors with details to be confirmed soon.
What is the programme that the government want more information on?
The government are currently considering the full business case for Eden Project Morecambe.
Are there other investors apart from the Government?
Yes, a mixture of philanthropic and private investors to be confirmed soon.
What is the projected lifespan for the building and is there going to be promised maintainance?
Details such as this will be confirmed as the design for the buildings is finalised but everything will be built to last and to be as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible.
What are the reasons for the hold up on the project?
A number of external factors have influenced recent progress on the project, most notably the general election in July.
Will there be oportunity to engage with development of themes and content of the site and project?
Yes. Our programme of community engagement will continue throughout the design and construction process.
Is there a process to allow local businesses to get involved in the supply chain?
Yes. Please express your interest on our website.
Jobs and employment
How many jobs will be created?
There will be 1,300 high-quality, sustainable jobs created in total, of which around 300 will be directly employed by the Eden Project and an additional 1,000 will be supported in the regional supply chain.
I would really like a job, can you tell me how to go about this? How can I get involved in the Eden Project, volenteering/working/planning?
Recruitment for the first Eden Project jobs in Morecambe will be advertised soon and there will also be volunteering opportunities too.
Will there be opportunities for employment for the over 60s?
Yes, we are an equal opportunities employer.
What will be the job opportunties be for those who partake in the Eden linked course at the college and university?
Yes, we are working with local education providers.
Will there be employment opportunities while the build is happening?
Yes, recruitment for the first Eden Project jobs in Morecambe will be advertised soon.
Accessibility
What will be your policy for equality and diversity?
Eden Project operates an equal opportunity policy. We’ve also signed up as a Disability Confident Employer, which means we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment and staffing policies are inclusive and accessible.
I am worried the pedestrian access of the prom will create access issue after certain times by being cut off
Access to and through the Morecambe promenade will not be permanently affected by any Eden Project operations.
What measures are being taken to ensure the project is accessible to the disabled but paticulary the blind and partially sighted?
Eden Project Morecambe will be fully accessible. In Cornwall, we have worked hard to make our site as accessible as possible for everyone and we are proud to have won multiple awards for our accessibility and inclusivity.
Tourism
It is pouring with rain, the tour has ended, how long can people stay under cover?
Eden Project Morecambe will have large undercover areas - the Realm of the Moon and Realm of the Sun - as well as extensive outdoor gardens and we are designing the experience for all weathers.
How are you going to ensure visitors come and the project stays viable?
We have nearly 25 years of operating a major tourist attraction in Cornwall and we will use that expeirence to ensure the Morecambe project remains exciting and relevant for many years to come.
How does the pollution generated by visitors cars meet with Eden's green credentials?
We are working with our partners and local transport providers to encourage and incentivise as many people as possible to visit Eden Project Morecambe by public transport.
Transport
If electric vehicles are so economical to run and have a very small Co2 cost why favour expensive and polluting rail?
The Eden Project's transport strategy is based on a multi-modal approach which covers a range of transport modes including heavy rail, and which is designed to maximise sustainability and accessibility to/from Morecambe. Rail and electric cars each have their own advantages and disadvantages. According to Government figures in 2022, rail produces 35g of carbon emissions, whereas electric cars produce 47g (per person per km). It is important that there is a genuine choice of modes for visitors, and that the Local Highway Authority is satisfied there is sufficient capacity on the highway for all users, which requires a range of options including rail.
Can you articulate the vision for transport in the area?
For Eden, multi-modal access and travel to the site which focuses on promoting travel by sustainable and active modes of transport. A wider transport vision for Morecambe would be set out in a movement strategy prepared by the Local Planning Authority.
Can people still drive to the prom and park for free?
Yes, and any change to current arrangements would require a Traffic Regulation Order which would include a public consultation.
What are the controls on traffic impacts to Morecambe RD, Lancater Rd Torrisholme and Broadway?
Ticketing control is proposed by Eden, which is proposed to set ticket costs and tie them to mode of transport used and parking location in order to encourage sustainable modes and use of the Park and Ride facility at J34 of the M6 to reduce additional impact on Morecambe's highway network. Under the terms of the planning permission an acceptable Visitor Access and Parking Strategy needs to be provided by Eden and which will include detail around these proposals.
How are you going to improve parking for Eden visitors and other visitors to Morecambe especially for disabled people?
The county council and city council are working with Eden to utilise existing car parking capacity at the J34 Park and Ride site and within Morecambe Town Centre to accommodate visitors to Eden. Under the terms of the planning permission an acceptable Visitor Access and Parking Strategy needs to be provided by Eden and this must include arrangements for disabled people.
With public transport not being reliable from Lancaster to Morecambe will you be providing shuttle buses?
Proposals to use parking at the Park & Ride include the provision of shuttle buses from there to the Eden project site. In terms of general public transport links between Lancaster and Morecambe the county council as Local Transport Authority will continue to work with local transport operators to maintain and enhance services where possible to provide reliable and frequent services.
How will you support active participation and entice people out of their cars as public transport does not appeal to many people?
Ticketing control is proposed by Eden, which is proposed to set ticket costs and tie them to mode of transport used in order to encourage/reward visitors to arrive by sustainable modes. Under the terms of the planning permission an acceptable Visitor Access and Parking Strategy needs to be provided by Eden and which will include detail around these proposals. In addition the county council as Local Transport Authority continues to work with local and national transport operators to seek improvement to public and sustainable transport links so that they are more attractive, and to ensure enough suitable infrastructure is in place locally to support electric vehicle charging.
What are the plans for parking that make sure to protect the local residents parking?
Part of the planning Permission includes a survey and review mechanism, which will monitor impacts. Impacts on local residents will be monitored with subsequent measures as necessary.
Will residents and families still be able to park for free in Morecambe?
Currently there are no plans to change existing arrangements for residents parking at home. Impact from the Eden Project on residential streets will be monitored as part of the planning process.
How much influence will the project have on rail provisions given they are a private provider?
Lancashire County Council, as the Local Transport Authority will work in partnership with Network Rail and the Train Operating Companies to seek improvements to rail infrastructure and rail services to/from the Eden Project Morecambe.
Planning
Have you had any issues with licencing and environmental regulations while planning the project?
Through the planning process to date there have been no issues with regard to licencing and environmental regulations. All matters have either been delat with through evidence submitted with the planning application or by planning condition. Once funding is confirmed further more detailed work and assessment will occur. In terms of licencing this will subject to further scrutiny and assessment.
Have there been any environmental surveys done yet?
Yes, some work was done to support the original planning application in 2022 and will be supplemented by updated surveys over the coming year.
Have you appointed the major contractor yet and if so who is it?
The main contractor for building Eden will not be appointed until mid 2025. A prefessional services team such as architects, planners etc has recently appointed
What if any other attractions do you have planned?
The Frontierland site is being marketed as a leisure opportunity there is also work commencing on a strategy for the whole of central Morecambe.
What will happen to Frontierland site?
The Froniterland site will be marketed by the City Council as a mixed use and leisure site separately to Eden. On 3rd October there is an event in Morecambe where develoeprs from across the north west and nationally will attend to gauge interest in the site. This is on the back of a public consultation earlier in the year on objectives for the site.
I think visitors will want their cars in Morecambe for the day and will often have to come and go from them. Why do you not use Frontierland for this?
There will be a separate solution to parking not involving Frontierland. That site is reseved for development occcupying a prime spot on the promenade.
Last updated: 15 October 2024