The appointment follows planning approval last month and keeps the £100m visitor attraction on track to open its first phase in early 2027, ahead of full completion in 2028.

VINCI was selected via the North West Construction Hub High Value Framework after emerging as most economically advantageous bidder.

The firm now moves into detailed design development ahead of construction on the seafront scheme overlooking Morecambe Bay.

The scheme has been dramatically slimmed down since its first inception to cut costs and will now feature two shell-inspired structures housing immersive environmental exhibits, alongside landscaped gardens and public realm.

(L-R) Original plan and scaled-down Eden Morecambe plan now approved

A 1.5-acre free community garden will open first in 2027, with the full visitor destination launching a year later.

John Pye, project director for Eden Project Morecambe, said: “VINCI Building’s appointment marks an exciting acceleration for Eden Project Morecambe.

“Their technical capability, deep roots in the North West and strong commitment to sustainability and social value make them a powerful partner as we move towards breaking ground later this year.

“This is a nationally significant project for Morecambe and for the region and this latest milestone brings us another step closer to realising that vision.”

Gary Hughes, regional director at VINCI Building, said the build would generate hundreds of jobs, with VINCI projecting £80m of local economic benefit through supply chain spend, apprenticeships and community investment.