Lancaster University, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council are working together with Eden Project to deliver Eden Project Morecambe – a new visitor attraction for north-west England that combines exhibits, performance, learning, play and immersive experiences.

The Eden Project has announced John Pye as its Project Director for Eden Project Morecambe and the onboarding of an external design team.

As the first official employee of Eden Project Morecambe Limited, John will be based in Morecambe and will drive Eden Project Morecambe to completion, working with a multi-disciplinary team overseeing construction, horticulture, and visitor experience while aligning with the Eden Project’s vision of public benefit and sustainability.

For the past nine years, John has acted as Head of Estates North at Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) where he led the development of RHS Garden Bridgewater transforming a 156-acre heritage landscape into the RHS Garden in Greater Manchester.

John’s previous roles include Director of Capital Projects at Blackpool and The Fylde College and Acting Head of Project Delivery at Lancaster University Estate Management.

Andy Jasper, Chief Executive Officer of the Eden Project, said: “On behalf of our partnership with Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University, we are so delighted to welcome John Pye to the Eden Project family at such an exciting time for Eden Project Morecambe, as we move into the delivery phase of this important project. John’s unique experience and incredible passion make him the perfect fit for this pivotal role.

“We are also delighted to announce the onboarding of our external design team, headed up by world class WSP and award–winning architects Grimshaw. One of John’s key responsibilities will be working with this team, overseeing the next stage of development. The appointment of John and the integrated design team is a key milestone to celebrate, with the latter made possible by a £2.5M funding boost from the UK Government as part of the £50M already committed. Together, we believe their wealth of expertise will be invaluable in ensuring Eden Project Morecambe becomes the best destination that it possibly can be.”

Eden Project Morecambe will be a landmark attraction for the north-west of England, which will continue the Eden Project’s charitable mission of demonstrating and inspiring positive action for the planet. It will connect 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, and is due to open in 2028.

For more information on Eden Project Morecambe visit www.edenproject.com/morecambe.