Ariel View of the Eden Project North Proposed Development, Morecambe Bay (© Grimshaw)
On 31st January 2022, Lancaster City Council unanimously granted planning permission for the landmark project. This is a huge milestone towards making Eden Project North a reality. 3ADAPT provided sustainability advice to support the project’s development.
“We are primed and ready to create this beacon to a green and sustainable future, be part of Levelling Up and drive economic and social enhancements across the region. While we are incredibly proud of what we and our partners have achieved so far, we now need UK government support to quickly bring this to fruition and maintain momentum. We’re hugely grateful to the Lancaster City Council for granting this landmark project planning permission. Massive thanks must also go to our partners and the community in the region for supporting us throughout the consultation process. We continue to be inspired by the wellspring of positivity we get from the people of Morecambe.”
View of Eden Project North Proposed Development from Morecambe Bay Beach (© Grimshaw)
Eden Project North is being delivered by the team behind the first Eden Project in Cornwall. Partners for the project include Lancaster University, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. Eden Project North is one of the key projects in Eden’s national and international expansion plans.
The project will focus on reimaging health and wellbeing, taking inspiration from its location within the landscape of Morecambe Bay. At the heart of the attraction, organised around a central courtyard, is a series of shell-like structures which will host the main exhibition spaces: immersive experiences that will inspire wonder in the natural life above and below the bay. These spaces are known as the Rhythm Machine, the Bay Glade, the Bay Hall, and the Natural Observatory. They will be the home of Eden Project North's research and education programmes. External spaces and landscaping will link the venue sensitively to Morecambe Bay and to the town.
Internal Visualisation of the Bay Glade, Eden Project North (© Grimshaw)
Beyond its design the project will have far-reaching economic and social impact. This includes directly employing more than four hundred people, with an additional 1,500 jobs supported in the region. The project will inject £200m per year into the Northwest economy. Subject to funding being secured, it is due to open in 2024.
“We are absolutely delighted that Eden Project North has secured planning approval and can take one step closer to realise the project vision. It has been an inspiration to work with the Eden Project for over ten years. We are truly proud to have been able to support Eden Project International in developing the regenerative sustainability strategy to guide Eden Project North.”
Eden Project North will be a leading example of regenerative sustainability aiming to deliver natural, social, human, manufactured and financial benefits beyond the boundaries of the project itself.
To support this approach the 3ADAPT team developed a regenerative sustainability framework using a capitals-based model to guide the project through design and delivery. The aim is for the construction and operation to be Climate Positive.
The regenerative sustainability framework is evidence-led, responding to key drivers such as policy and best practice, from the international through to the local level. The key drivers and the project vision have been translated into a set of objectives (presented below) which have informed strategies developed by the project team with the aim of delivering great outcomes for Eden Project North, Morecambe, and the wider region.
“Eden Project North is designed to help regenerate the area socially, economically and environmentally”
NATURAL: Eden Project North will deliver a net positive environmental impact.
SOCIAL: Eden Project North will be an integral part of a thriving local Morecambe community.
HUMAN: Eden Project North will enlighten and inspire to create responsible citizens of the future.
MANUFACTURED: Eden Project North will always be ahead in a world that is constantly changing.
FINANCIAL: Eden Project North will transform Morecambe into a 21st Century Seaside Town.
A suite of key results and targets have been defined to monitor performance from inception through to operation. An overview of the regenerative sustainability strategy approach is presented below. Eden Project North is also targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, as an independent evaluation of its sustainability performance.
Overview of the Regenerative Sustainability Strategy Approach for Eden Project North
WHAT’S NEXT?
We look forward to embedding the regenerative sustainability approach through the next Eden Project North phases. We are also looking to work with other like-minded organisations, local authorities, public sector bodies and charities who are looking to improve their own impact.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
If you would like to know how we can support your organisation understand its sustainability impact, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with James, Phil or Anthony.