People in Morecambe will be given the opportunity to help co-create the content and visitor experience of Eden Project Morecambe at a landmark event, taking place on 23rd and 24th April 2024.
The two-day gathering, known as Rhythm Makers in reference to the theme of nature’s rhythms that will inform all aspects of Eden Project Morecambe, takes place at the Morecambe Winter Gardens and is open to everyone.
Attendees will have the opportunity to find out about the latest work being done by the Eden Project and its partners and share their stories and experiences of life in Morecambe Bay which will be used to further inspire the exhibits and public experience.
The event is open for anyone to drop in at any time, with more in-depth workshops running on the hour for anyone who wants to get more involved in the co-creation process. There will be children’s activities and light refreshments available for all attendees.
Rhythm Makers will be an ongoing programme of co-creation, running throughout the period before construction.
Following this initial open event, there will be a series of similar invite-only sessions for specific community groups. Later this year (2024), a further open public event will be held to report back on how co-creation has shaped the design of the Eden Project Morecambe experience.
Si Bellamy, the Eden Project’s Chief Transformation Officer, said: “We are hugely excited to hear the stories and personal experiences of people in Morecambe Bay.
“The work we will present at Rhythm Makers is a starting point to help inspire conversation with the community and we can’t wait to see the ideas and themes that will emerge during the two days. We have always been clear that this is a project for Morecambe and by the people of Morecambe and the Rhythm Makers process is a key component of this.”
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. The content of the project is being developed by the Eden Project’s Experience Development team, formerly known as Eden Project International.
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.
Eden Project Morecambe will cost £100m, £50m of which has been secured from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The remaining £50m will be sourced from private and philanthropic funds. 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.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University.
• Rhythm Makers will take place at the Morecambe Winter Gardens at 209 Marine Road, Morecambe, LA4 4BU on Tuesday 23rd April between 2.00pm and 7.30pm and on Wednesday 24th April between 8.00am and 2.30pm. Attendance is free and no ticket is required
• For more information on Eden Project Morecambe see www.edenproject.com/morecambe.