An Omaze partnership that began with a guaranteed £1 million donation has delivered a transformational £4.5 million for the charity Eden Project’s new destination in Morecambe – securing one of the most significant elements of the new world-class visitor destination due to open in 2028.
The funding, raised through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in May in support of the charity, will fully fund the creation of The Elder Tree – a central exhibit at Eden Project Morecambe.
As regularly reported here, Eden Project Morecambe is being developed on Morecambe’s seafront as a major new cultural landmark. While the draw offered one entrant the chance to win a life-changing home, its wider impact will be felt across the North West, helping bring to life a pioneering new destination designed to connect people with nature and each other, while delivering long-term economic, social and environmental benefits for the region.
Set within two striking, shell-inspired superstructures, the new visitor experience will house immersive “Realms” – the bright, biodiverse Realm of the Sun and the darker, tidal Realm of the Moon – exploring humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world.
The Elder Tree
The larger of the two realms – the Realm of the Sun – will form a tropical landscape of the near future, where interactive exhibits, living structures, storytelling and workshops help visitors reconnect with nature’s rhythms. At its centre will stand the breathtaking The Elder Tree – a striking 20‑metre immersive exhibit guiding guests from its roots to the hollows of its trunk, revealing memories of ecosystems past and engaging visitors on our human impact on the natural world and how we can reconnect with nature to help restore it.
Andy Jasper, Eden Project CEO, said: “We’re deeply grateful to Omaze for their support and to the Omaze community who chose to support the Eden Project through entering. Every entry has helped bring us one step closer to the transformation happening in Morecambe, making Eden Project Morecambe a reality.
“The funding has specifically secured The Elder Tree – which will sit at the heart of the experience for visitors. More than a striking landmark, it will help tell the story of our changing relationship with the natural world and inspire people to imagine what an incredibly positive future could look like.
We are hugely thankful to everyone who has played a part in making this possible.”
The partnership with Omaze marks a significant step forward in delivering Eden Project Morecambe, securing a central element of the experience and building momentum as the project moves towards construction. It also reinforces the scale of opportunity the project represents for the North West – creating jobs, supporting skills development and attracting visitors year-round.
Matt Pohlson, Founder and CEO of Omaze, said: “Not only did our lucky winner Darren win the spectacular house in Cornwall, but he was also part of the Omaze Community that raised the transformational £4.5 million for Eden Project Morecambe, fully funding The Elder Tree, the centrepiece of this extraordinary new destination.
“Everyone at Omaze is incredibly proud to have partnered with Eden Project to help inspire generations to reconnect with the natural world while creating jobs and opportunity across the North West.”
Groundworks begin this summer
Eden Project Morecambe builds on the Eden Project’s 25‑year track record of regeneration, education and nature connection. Since opening in Cornwall in 2001, Eden has welcomed more than 25 million visitors and contributed £6.8 billion to the South West economy, demonstrating how long-term investment in nature can support jobs, skills and communities.
Groundworks begin this summer on vibrant new 1.5‑acre, free-to-enter community gardens. The award-winning Bring Me Sunshine Garden, co-created with young people from Morecambe and first showcased at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, will form a welcoming gateway to the site – an early step in bringing Eden Project Morecambe to life and a reflection of its focus on community, skills and opportunity.
The gardens are set to open in spring 2027, ahead of the full Eden Project Morecambe experience, which is scheduled to open in winter 2028.
Eden Project Morecambe is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, with the support of UK Government investment.
Once complete, it will be a major new cultural landmark and global visitor destination for the North of England, attracting visitors year-round and delivering long-term economic, educational and wellbeing benefits for Morecambe, Lancashire and the wider North.
The Eden Project is an educational charity that demonstrates and inspires positive action for the planet. As a growing movement of global citizens, it reconnects people with nature, demonstrates and communicates positive change, and inspires advocates of action.
All Eden Project proceeds contribute towards its charitable initiatives in Cornwall, across the UK and around the world.
Omaze is an entertainment company with a social purpose that has raised over £100 million for UK charities through its Omaze Million Pound House Draw, where entrants get the chance to win guaranteed prizes such as spectacular multi-million-pound homes every month, whilst also supporting incredible causes.
• Find out more about the Eden Project’s mission at edenproject.com/mission