Seaside town named among UK's cheapest set for incredible £125m revamp – including futuristic nature reserve
A POPULAR seaside town is set to undergo a major revamp to its promenade.
The project, set to cost £125 million, will include a nature observatory, outdoor gardens, and three eateries.
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Overlooking the Irish Sea, Morecambe has a population of around 37,000 residents.
While the town has previously been named among the UK's cheapest, it has many other draws for tourists.
Last year, Morecambe's sandy stretch of beach was named one of UK's most beautiful in a list of 37 by TimeOut.
This beach, as well as the town itself, features as the backdrop for the hit ITV drama The Bay.
And now the town's seafront can expect another boost as a futuristic development is set to break ground.
The 11-acre site is earmarked as a family-friendly, eco-destination, showcasing the relationships between animals, humans, plants, and the environment.
With permission approved in 2022, construction is expected to start this year.
Known as the Eden Project, the development is expected to attract 760,000 additional visitors to Morecambe each year, reports North West Place.
The seafront property will consist of four shell-shaped domes which are integrated with solar cells and designed to blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape.
Inside it will include a rhythm machine, indoor landscapes, and a natural observatory.
Seaside town
Outside, there will be a series of immersive gardens with a panoramic view of Morecambe, and a tidal pool.
There will also be an outdoor plaza and arena with a capacity of 6,000 for hosting live events.
The complex will also include a visitor's centre, three restaurants, and a handful of retail spaces.
Jonathan Noad, chief officer for sustainable growth at Lancaster City Council, spoke about the Eden Project.
"Our shared goal is to ensure regeneration delivers inclusive, sustainable prosperity across Morecambe and its wider communities so the town can realise its full potential," he said.
'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp
By Nicole Cherruault
A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound"vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind".
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.'
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.'
And while there is no opening date confirmed for this project, there is plenty to draw you to Morecambe in the meantime.
You can stay at four-star hotel room £94 per night, or pop into the bar after a walk from the beach on Hest Bank.
And there are lots of cheaper places to stay including The Craigwell Hotel.
They offer bed and breakfast with sea view rooms from £30 per night.
Other tourist attractions is The Winter Gardens in Morecambe, a big concert party hall now considered one of a kind hosting concerts and events.
At the end of the promenade in Morecambe, you'll definitely spot slightly larger than life statue of Eric Morecambe.
The comedian, who was one half of Morecambe and Wise, took his stage name from Morecambe as it was where he grew up.
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