Vinci Building has been appointed as the primary contractor for the next design development and construction stage of the £100m ($134m) Eden Project Morecambe regeneration and climate education project in Lancashire, UK.
The appointment comes after the project received planning approval last month.
The Eden Project Morecambe will be a new cultural destination overlooking Morecambe Bay, featuring two large shell-inspired superstructures with themed 'Realms' focused on ecological and cultural experiences.
Vinci Building was selected through a competitive tender process using the North West Construction Hub’s High Value Framework, with the Eden Project Morecambe project team identifying the company as the most “commercially advantageous bidder”.
Eden Project Morecambe project director John Pye said: “Vinci Building’s appointment marks an exciting acceleration for Eden Project Morecambe.
“Their technical capability, deep roots in the North West and strong commitment to sustainability and social value make them a powerful partner as we move towards breaking ground later this year.
“This is a nationally significant project for Morecambe and for the region, and this latest milestone brings us another step closer to realising that vision.”
Construction will now move forward at the seafront site, with the initial phase expected to open in early 2027 and the full landmark scheduled to welcome visitors in 2028.
The first finished area will be a 1.5-acre free-to-enter community garden, including the ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ garden, which is set to debut at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2026 before relocating to the site.
The project is expected to create hundreds of construction and operational jobs, generate local supply chain spend, and support apprenticeships and community investment, contributing an estimated £80m of local value.
The development aims to drive year-round tourism, support local economies, and deliver long-term benefits for Lancashire and Cumbria, including improvements in education, the economy and well-being.
Delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, and supported by UK Government investment, the project aims to connect people with nature and strengthen educational outreach.
It is designed to respect and complement seafront heritage assets such as the Midland Hotel and the Grade II-listed Winter Gardens while expanding the Eden Project’s charitable mission from its established Cornwall base.
Lancaster City council leader, Councillor Caroline Jackson, said: “This project will bring pivotal opportunities for the future economy of Lancaster district, creating new jobs, supporting skills development and generating long‑term prosperity."
