Plans for an innovative re-imagining of the Eden Project right here on the North West coast have taken a big step forward this week following a £70 million funding bid.
The team behind Eden Project North – which is set to be a major attraction for Lancashire and is part of a wider project aiming to “re-imagine Morecambe as a seaside resort for the 21st Century” – announced they have submitted a business case of £70m for government funding.
Hoping to replicate the success of Cornwall’s Eden Project, the huge development will focus on marine life.
The Eden Project North seeks to transform the well-known Morecambe coastline by building a “ticketed visitor attraction that is sustainable and transformative, with large indoor environments, housed within iconic pavilions”.
The plans for the new all-year visitor attraction show five shell-shaped domes built on waterfront on the site of Bubbles – a former swimming pool – and appeal to people keen on art, science, adventure, play and performance as well as nature.
Eden Project North is expected to cost in the region of £125m and the business case says it will provide “significant economic, environmental and social benefits” for the area.
The submission of the business case is said to be a “major milestone” for the project.
We've submitted a business case for £70m of UK Government funding to help make Eden Project North in Morecambe a reality. The report presents the development as a key driver of the UK’s post-Covid green recovery. pic.twitter.com/GEwO441mt0
Those familiar with the original Eden Project in Cornwall will recognise Eden Project North as a similar attraction combining “exhibits, performance, learning, play, immersive experiences, world-class horticulture, art, food, beverage and retail spaces”.
It hopes to bring together “health and wellbeing” and “wonder and entertainment” through its various zones.
An environment filled with plants and art exhibits will be known as ‘Above the Bay’, while theatrical experiences will bring the tides and lunar rhythms to life in ‘Below the Bay’, and there’ll be bookable wellbeing treatments in The Natural Sanctuary, as well as the Eden Project North’s research and education programmes being housed in The Natural Observatory.
The Eden Project North is said to be of the key projects in Eden’s plans to expand around the UK and the world.
DCM / Grimshaw Architects
David Harland – Chief Executive at Eden Project – said: “This is a major milestone for Eden Project North, a moment when we have presented the government with what we know is a compliant, comprehensive and compelling case for investment.
“The world has changed beyond measure this year and it is imperative as we come out of the pandemic that our collective focus is on a recovery that stimulates the economy, is environmentally forward looking and creates meaningful, green collar jobs.
“Our firm belief is that Eden Project North does all of these things and will be transformative for Morecambe and the surrounding region.”
The team behind Eden Project North has been working closely with regional partners – the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Lancaster University, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council – on the delivering the project.
Steve Fogg – Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership – said: “The Eden North project will be a game-changer for the Lancashire economy. The project will undoubtedly deliver substantial economic benefits for our county not only in terms of the opportunities for local businesses to become part of the Eden supply chain, but also as a visitor attraction of national significance, providing a much-needed boost to our tourism and hospitality sector.”
Councillor Dr Erica Lewis – Leader of Lancaster City Council – added: “Eden Project North promises to be a transformative project that will deliver considerable social and economic benefits for Morecambe, the district and the region.”
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Eden Project North is projected to attract around one million visitors a year if given the go-ahead, with work expected to complete in 2023.
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Viral store POP MART announces opening date of highly-anticipated Trafford Centre store
Emily Sergeant
Viral retailer POP MART has confirmed the news that fans have been waiting with bated breath for.
You may remember that a couple of months back, it was announced that POP MART – the Chinese collectables retailer home to the phenomenon that is the Labubu – would be opening in Greater Manchester‘s biggest shopping complex, the Trafford Centre, later in the year, and now the opening date has been confirmed.
Once POP MART opens its doors, shoppers can expect to find exclusive gifts, hot products, and plenty of surprises in store… oh, and big queues too, presumably.
The new 1,400 sq ft store will feature a full range of POP MART collectables – including the most iconic IPs and blind boxes, and fans and collectors will be able to shop from limited-edition ranges and get their hands on seasonal exclusives only available at Trafford Centre.
The new store opening at Trafford Centre takes the brand’s UK presence to double figures, and forms the brand’s goal to make its popular characters ‘accessible’ to more people across the country than ever before.
“POP MART aims to celebrate entertainment and pop culture to a growing community of designer toy collectors,” commented Peter Shipman, who is the Managing Director and Head of Europe for POP MART.
“The opening of our Trafford Centre store expands our UK presence and helps to bring playful and engaging experiences to customers.
POP MART has announced the opening date of its highly-anticipated Trafford Centre store / Credit: The Manc Group
“Trafford Centre’s vibrant retail environment, strong footfall, and strategic location strengthens our opportunity to access both loyal fans and new audiences, and we look forward to seeing visitors embrace the fun collectable toys and retail experience.”
Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre, says POP MART is a ‘brilliant addition’ to the shopping centre.
POP MART opens at the Trafford Centre next week on Saturday 16 August from 10am.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Stockport County release ‘classic’ and historic third kit as a charitable nod to their past
Danny Jones
Stockport County have released their third kit for the 2025/26 season, and the stylish nod to their history has not only gone down as an instant hit among the fan base, but it also doubles as a vital fundraiser for grassroots football.
County are gearing up for their second season back in League One after just missing out on back-to-back promotions and a glorious return to the Championship in the previous campaign.
Enjoying life under manager Dave Challinor, the Greater Manchester club has come a long way over the past few years, and they’ve made sure not to forget their past either.
Unveiling the new third shirt with a moving kit reveal video that harkens back to their past as part of the local sporting community.
Reverting to their historical cross crest for the 25/26 third kit, the striking green strip pays tribute to the nearby origins, having spent their foundational years as a footballing outfit at Green Lane in Heaton Norris – a Stopfordian suburb and one of the four thriving Heatons.
Before Stockport went by County, they were called Heaton Norris Rovers, and so they decided to rewind the clock and bring back the old badge for this noteworthy kit drop.
“Players from the Men’s first team and Academy, as well as members of the Ladies team and individuals from our community groups through the Stockport County Community Trust, all took part.”
Teaming up with local photographer Andrew Findlay to tap into that authentic, old feeling in the images, using vintage 35mm film to create a “timeless quality, perfectly matching the historic crest and the nostalgic feel of the location where our journey began”, the results speak for themselves.
Putting our own allegiances aside, this simple and stripped-back shirt design isn’t just an instant classic among most County fans, but it’s one of our favourite football shirts to come out of Greater Manchester for some time.
Ok, stop what you're doing — consider #SCFC's latest drop exhibits C-Z!? 🔥
The shoot itself was even held at their former ground on Green Lane, with players, fans and youngsters gathering in front of the historic Nursery Inn pub, as well as on the bowling green, right next to where they used to play their home matches back in 1889 before moving to Edgeley Park in 1902.
As the club goes on to write: “This launch is more than just a new kit; it’s a celebration of our grassroots history. The green colour scheme reflects not only the Green Lane ground, but also the Club’s deep roots in the local community.
“To honour this legacy, we are committed to supporting the next generation of local talent. For every third kit sold, £2 will be donated to Stockport County‘s Grassroots Football Fund, helping to ensure that football continues to thrive at a local level.
“This new kit is a tribute to our past, a commitment to our present, and an investment in our future. We can’t wait to see the County faithful wearing this piece of our history with pride.” You love to see it.
If you’re interested, you can grab one HERE and help donate to regional grassroots support.
Emily Sergeant -
17th November 2020 
