Backed by Eden Project International, the project will consist of four shell-like domes rising to nearly 40m in height. These will be constructed in timber and covered with a membrane of flexible air-inflated ETFE cushions with integrated solar cells.

With planning permission granted, securing funding for Eden Project North is now the major focus.

Eden has submitted a business case to the UK Government, asking for a £70m public investment in the £125m project. The business case shows that this investment would be paid back many times over in economic benefit for the region.

The Grimshaw-designed project is being delivered by the team behind the first Eden Project, alongside local partners Lancaster University, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and is one of the key projects in Eden’s plans to expand around the UK and the world.

Eden Project North will be built on the former site of the Bubbles leisure complex

David Harland, chief executive of Eden Project International, said: “Planning permission is a huge milestone on our journey towards making Eden Project North an exemplar project for Morecambe, Lancashire and the North of England.

“The project is now definitively shovel-ready and a compelling financial case has been made to Government.

Eden Project North would directly employ more than 400 people and inject £200m per year into the North West economy. 

“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.”